Firefighters Contain Brush Fire In Ramona Area
Firefighters Contain Brush Fire In Ramona Area
25 November 2007
published by www.msnbc.msn.com
Ramona, California, USA — Fire crews contained a small brush fire that was started by sparks from a power saw in the Ramona area on Saturday morning, officials said.
More than 200 firefighters were on scene of the fire in the area of Highway 78 and Haverford Road on Saturday. The fire burned 25-30 acres, authorities said.
Investigators said the fire was accidentally started by the use of a power saw by Ramona resident, which sent sparks flying. Cal Fire said it advises people not to use lawnmowers or other power equipment in dry Santa Ana conditions.
Cal Fire spokeswoman Roxanne Provanik said the fire broke out at 9:50 a.m. and was being fed by 15 to 20 mph Santa Ana winds from the east. By 1:30 p.m., it was fully contained, authorities said.
One firefighter was injured when a chopper dropped flame retardant on his fire truck, authorities said. The windshield caved in, and he suffered cuts, officials said.
Cal Fire, which has had crews ready since the Santa Ana winds were forecast, said its preparations helped contain the fire.
“Those engines made a big difference down here this morning,” Capt. Matt Streck said. “They were on the ground within five minutes fighting this fire.”
Some Ramona residents said the fire put them on edge. Many are still recovering from the Witch Fire.
“I think we’re all a little nervous,” resident Dawn Perfect said. “Our town does not feel like normal yet. We still have those images real fresh in our mind.”
Ramona resident Carl Gardner said the fire was another wakeup call for the town.
“It was a wakeup call when the Cedar Fire hit, and a lot of people thought it would never happen again,” he said. “And it just proves that you got to be ready.”
Cal Fire officials said they encourage residents to clear brush away from their homes and have an evacuation plan ready.
