Equipment Sparks Fire In Valley Springs

CCFD photo

Valley Springs, CA – A vegetation fire this morning in the Valley Springs area of Calaveras County was human-caused prompting CAL Fire to remind the public of the dry conditions as a three-year drought lingers.

The blaze broke out in some grass in the 10 o’clock hour on Miles Road, between Ospital and Adams roads and northwest of Highway 26. The flames’ forward progress was stopped at a quarter acre within minutes.

Fire investigators determined that the blaze was started by a grinder. Calaveras Consolidated Firefighters remind, “When you are doing any grinding or welding, you must have 10 feet of bare soil clearance around the area you are working, a water source (pressurized water extinguisher or bladder bag – 5 gallons), and a tool/shovel.”

Fire officials added that any spark can start a fire in these hot and dry conditions. Assisting resources working the blaze included one engine each from Jenny Lind and Valley Springs and CAL Fire.

Of note just last week a mower was blamed on a vegetation fire in the Wallace area of Calaveras County, as detailed here.