Grass fire in north Sacramento is a picture of fire season fears
SACRAMENTO — Crews responded quickly to a fire burning in the north Sacramento area Tuesday evening.
Dense smoke could be seen rising above the freeway. The fire was burning in the area of Morrison and Western Avenues, which is near the Northgate Boulevard exit off of westbound I-80 in a neighborhood mostly home to construction and a few blocks of homes.
The Sacramento Fire Department told CBS13 on the scene that a few occupied RVs in the area were threatened as the fire spread, and at least one was damaged by the flames.
Acres of dry brush and grass acted as fire fuel Tuesday.
"We have a lot more dead vegetation, it's taller, thicker. It's gonna spread fire a lot quicker due to the heat it produces," said Capt. Justin Sylvia.
Sylvia says you can thank our wetter-than-normal winter for that. It makes the fire department's job tougher, and when you factor in this week's gusting winds, it's even more dangerous.
"The wind is one of the worst enemies for any type of wildland fire. The fire goes wherever the wind is gonna take it. That makes things a lot more challenging," said Sylvia.
The response to grass fires this year has to be quicker.
"Meaning that we are going to dispatch more equipment right off the bat if we know it's going to be a wind-driven fire," said Sylvia.
It's why he says everyone should take action at their homes on hot days with high wind. That can look like wetting down your yard with water and creating defensible space on your property.
"Getting these taller weeds knocked down early in the morning, before 10 a.m. on hotter days, helps out drastically," said Sylvia.
Monday, at a grass fire in Vacaville, neighbors had that fire season message top of mind.
"We're just trying to get it wet so if an ember does fall, the moisture will put it out," said Rick Cintas, helping a neighbor water down her front yard with a hose directly across from the fire.
There, one Vacaville home was destroyed as a grass fire spread. But Tuesday, Sacramento homes were spared. With it all comes a warning to be ready for fire season.
For perspective, California is only just entering peak wildfire season.
Of California's 20 most destructive fires, Cal Fire data shows that more than half happened in the months of September and October. With many months to go, it's a reminder to do what you can at your home to be prepared.