Monday afternoon presented a challenge for the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District as two fires broke out at the same time but major damage was avoided.
At 2:48pm Engine 93 and Engine 94 responded to a reported vegetation fire on Ashwood Dr. in Oakley which was potentially caused by a downed PG&E power line. Upon arrival, crews found vegetation, a tree, and fence on fire.
To access the fire, crews had to make access through a home on Mallard Lane and tear down about 20 feet of fence line. Crews were able to limit the damage to a fence and a tree. PG&E also responded. With a quick responses, two homes were not threatened but its estimated that the fence damage was around $1,000 to $1,500.
Meanwhile as crews were working this fire, ECCFPD received reports of a second vegetation fire in Oakley on Machado Lane in Oakley at 3:23 pm. Engine 94 was released from Ashwood Drive along with Engine 54 out of Brentwood.
Upon arrival, crews found a large vegetation pile on fire about 100 x 100 in size which was a control burn. The person controlling the fire stated he had though it was a burn day. Crews strategically placed themselves around the fire and let it burn itself out while ensuring no surrounding vegetation also caught fire due to the size of the flames sending embers to nearby dry fields. Crews remained on scene for 1-hour and 16-minutes.
Photos from both incidents:
2 comments
To many veg fires in January. This could be a reoccuring theme in East County and across the state. Need rain!!!!!!!!!
The fire on Machado Lane is still burning….I am anxiously watching it as my house is situated directly across from it and the only thing separating us is an extremely dry grassy area and the train tracks…not what you want to see when you come home from work.
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