Photo courtesy of Brian Conroy
Calfire released details on the Sunday field fire off John Smith and Fairview roads.
According to Calfire, the vegetation fire was reported at 3:07 p.m. Sunday. It burned a total of 38 acres before firefighters contained it, while a firefighter sustained minor burns to his hands and had to be treated at the Stanford Hospital burn unit, a Calfire spokesman said. The cause of the fire remained under investigation as well.
The California Highway Patrol previously reported both a traffic collision and a fire, causing John Smith Road to be shut down. The fire had reached 38 acres as of 4:47 p.m., according to the CHP, and was contained as of 5:01 p.m. There was a notation from the CHP about a hit and run collision, power lines being knocked down, and a shed on fire.
According to Calfire’s release on the matter:
CAL FIRE responded to the fire with two CALFIRE Battalion Chiefs, one Fire Investigator, eight engines, two hand crews, two bulldozers, an air tactical aircraft, two air tankers, and two helicopters, for a total of about 70 firefighters. The Hollister Fire Department also responded with an engine and a water tender.
Upon arrival of the first firefighters, the fire was approximately three to five acres in size, and had been progressing. The warm temperature, and sustained wind fanned the flames to 38 acres before firefighters contained the fire at 16:06 p.m. There was one firefighter that sustained minor burn injuries to their hands. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Residents are encouraged to exercise extreme caution when in or near the wildland or open areas to prevent a fire. It is important that everyone monitor the weather and be on the lookout for fires. If fires occur in the area, be prepared to follow all instructions of fire and law enforcement officials if an evacuation is ordered. The public is encouraged to review “Ready, Set, Go” procedures at www.ReadyForWildfire.org. Each person and family should insure that they are “Set” for a potential emergency situation and prepared to activate the “Go” (evacuation) portion in a calm and safe manner. For more ways to prepare and prevent wildfires visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org or www.fire.ca.gov.
Here are some tips to help prepare your home and property:
Clear all dead or dying vegetation 100 feet around all structures.
Landscape with fire resistant/drought tolerant plants, especially native species.
Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or hauling it to a biomass energy facility.
Fire Details
Who: CAL FIRE
What: Vegetation Fire
When: June 3, 2018, 15:07.; 100% contained at 16:06 p.m.
Where: John Smith Rd / Fairview Rd Park (San Benito County)
For additional information on preparing for and preventing wildfires visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
