Four firefighters hurt at Fremont grass fire
Four firefighters hurt at Fremont grass fire
1 October 2009
published by www.sfgate.com
USA — Four firefighters have been injured today while battling a 15-acre wildfire in the Fremont area.
Three firefighters were taken for medical evaluation while one, who was hit in the head by debris while wearing helmet, returned to work, Cal Fire Capt. Jerry Agenbroad said. Of the firefighters who needed medical attention, one suffered a knee injury, another scraped his leg and the third had a heat-related injury.
About 300 firefighters from five agencies have been combatting the blaze, which broke out shortly before 4 p.m. in the region of Niles Canyon and Palomares roads. The fire was about 70 percent contained at 8:40 p.m., Agenbroad said.
“It seems likely they’ll get a handle on it but until it’s fully contained, we have some concerns,” said Agenbroad, adding that firefighters have managed to keep the blaze from damaging more than 15 acres of vegetation for the past two hours. No structures are threatened.
State Highway 84 was closed between the Mission and Sunol exits from about 4:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., said California Highway Patrol Officer Peter Van Eckhardt. Palomares Road between Highway 84 and Interstate 580 remains closed and will likely stay closed throughout the night, he said.
The cause of the fire is unknown and is under investigation, Agenbroad said.
