May 31, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact Battalion Chief Tyler Batson, 760-522-0516
On May 31, 2021 at approximately 1:52 p.m., the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received reports of a vegetation fire in the area of Candle Light Glen and Falcon Glen. The fire was located at Amanda Lane, north of Gamble Lane and just to the east of Del Lago Academy. Upon arrival, the fire was approximately 1 ½ acres in size in light flashy grass, moving at a moderate rate of spread. The nearby homes were potentially threatened, however evacuations were not necessary.
Firefighters fully contained the fire at just under two acres and worked for an additional hour mopping up hot spots. In all, three fire engines, one truck company, and one 1 Battalion Chief responded to the fire. The fire caused minor damage to a fence on the property.
Firefighters determined that the fire was accidently caused by a tractor as it was conducting vegetation mitigation. Once he recognized that a fire had started, the tractor operator utilized his equipment to construct fire breaks prior to the arrival of fire units. This action reduced the potential spread of the fire.
Safety Message: Reducing weeds and dry grass and maintaining defensible space is important. However, summer and fall weather bring increased temperatures, low humidity, and strong afternoon winds. On warm dry days, use caution while operating machinery around dry vegetation and conduct work before 10:00 a.m. when temperatures are lower and vegetation is more moist and less likely to catch fire..
06/01/21