UPDATED: 5 Homes Destroyed, 10 Damaged By Fairfield Grass Fire
FAIRFIELD (CBS13) - Some homeowners are waking up to charred ruins after a grass fire engulfed a Fairfield neighborhood Tuesday.
More than 200 firefighters from Solano County, Yolo County, Contra Costa County, and Cal Fire were on the scene battling the fire as it spread from rooftop to rooftop down Marigold Drive.
Some homeowners were fortunate enough to find their homes survived.
"It's a good feeling that our's are standing but I'm saddened by their experience. Nobody should have to go through nothing like that," said Sgt. Major Burdette Shields.
Meanwhile, others watched as the flames shot out of the windows and rooftops of their homes.
"Just a loss for words, I don't know what to say," said Martin Lalor, who lost his home to the fire. "I see the house and I have to start over again. You know there's nothing here for me."
The grass fire began along Interstate 80 near the North Texas Street exit before hopping the soundwall. According to firefighters, the wind caught embers and threw them onto homes' rooftops.
"I thought about it all night when I was trying to sleep," said Deniese Brown. "So, it was a lot to take in, but I'm glad everyone's OK."
A total of 10 homes were damaged and five others were destroyed.
Robert Charron, whose home was destroyed, is still having a hard time processing what has happened.
"It's one of those things in life. This is the first time on this street we've had a bad fire but thank God for insurance," said Charron.
Now begins the process of picking up the pieces for those who have to find a new place to live.
"It's tough; just take it day by day," said Lalor. "I have a list of to-do things today."
The city has a disaster recovery team assembled to aid the neighborhood.
The Fairfield Fire Department tells CBS13 it will return to Interstate 80 and inspect the strip of burned grass to determine exactly why it went up in flames.
Firefighters remained on scene throughout the night putting out several hot spots that flared up.
