A Sunday afternoon fire that burned two acres at 16201 Dodd Lane
and West Edmundson Avenue was started by someone trying to clear
brush to prevent a fire, according to Battalion Chief Derek Witmer
of the California Department of Forestry (CDF).
A Sunday afternoon fire that burned two acres at 16201 Dodd Lane and West Edmundson Avenue was started by someone trying to clear brush to prevent a fire, according to Battalion Chief Derek Witmer of the California Department of Forestry (CDF).
“His heart was in the right place, but he just didn’t go about it in the right way,” Witmer said Monday. “Conditions at the time made it easier for a spark to start the fire.”
The fire started in the early afternoon, when the temperature was 98 degrees and there was only 16 percent humidity.
Weather conditions and mowing equipment were to blame for the blaze, Witmer said.
Structures were threatened, he said, so firefighters made an “aggressive initial attack,” and Witmer was able to cancel his original request for five additional fire units.
There were no injuries in the fire, and it was contained quickly.
Witmer said during this kind of weather and during the fire season, yard maintenance should be done early or late in the day.
“It should be finished before 10 a.m., when things begin to heat up and dry out,” he said. “Or late afternoon/early evening, but the morning is probably the best time.”
Monday’s temperatures in the low 90s, with dry air and sometimes gusty winds, were ideal conditions for the several small grass fires during the day. Beginning today and Wednesday, however, weather conditions will be less conducive to fire. Highs for Morgan Hill are forecast to be in the upper 70s today and lower 70s on Wednesday. Mostly sunny skies on Wednesday may alternate with low clouds and fog.
Because of the heat and dry conditions, the CDF decided today, Witmer said, to open fire season early, on May 17. The start of the fire season means additional stations in outlying areas are staffed.
For information about making homes and properties less likely to suffer during fire season, about firesafe construction and living in the “urban interface” area, Witmer said a county website is very helpful: www.sccfiresafe.org
