Fireworks Spark Martinez Fire; 2 Minors Arrested
MARTINEZ (CBS SF) -- Two minors were taken into custody in Martinez Tuesday afternoon after a fire sparked by fireworks burned roughly two acres near some homes, a fire captain said.
The fire, reported around 2:30 p.m. in the vicinity of Holly View Drive, was caused by the minors playing with fireworks, according to Captain George Laing.
The fire started in a deep part of a canyon with heavy brush, spread into an open field, then got close to another canyon up against a line of homes, Laing said.
"It was a good thing the engine company was so close," Laing said.
"If they hadn't been, it would've been a totally different problem."
"I'd like to say it's the skill and professionalism of the fire department, but it's just the timing," Laing said. "If the engine had been much later it would've been tragic."
Firefighters respond to incidents like this for several weeks before and after the Fourth of July every year, Laing said.
"Every year the unintended consequence of illegal fireworks include damage, fire and injuries, and we can't emphasize enough that it has to be addressed," Laing said. "We work every year to communicate that to the public and still we have this problem."
No structures were threatened and no injuries were reported in this incident.
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