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Wednesday, 03 September 2008 02:30

Smitty Lane Fire Burns 50 Acres

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slide1.pngA wildland fire prompted a quick response by CAL FIRE firefighters Sunday in Westpoint. The blaze burned 50 acres at Smitty Lane and West Point Road Sunday afternoon. The fire was spotted by the Butte Mountain lookout post in Amador County and the smoke column could also be seen from Buckhorn. The damage had the potential to be really bad, with conditions dry from the current drought. The fire started on Smitty Lane in West Point and quickly traveled up the slope towards Valentine Hill Road, threatening homes in its path. slide2.pngCDF called for Heavy Tankers and helicopters along with local and regional fire crews to battle the blaze, including crews from San Andreas. Quick work by fire crews clearly saved homes off of Valentine Hill Road as flames licked at the porch of one home, and burned a well house. A spot fire also developed off of Valentine Road and a Bulldozer and crews were kept busy fighting that fire in thick, heavy brush. Several families were ordered to evacuate along the path of the fire until its forward progress was stopped. Ranchers in the neighborhood were also busy loading up horses to take them to a safer location. slide3.pngThe fight included hand crews, and the attack got the fire under control pretty fast, according to witnesses. CAL FIRE’s website Monday reported that the Smitty Lane Fire burned 50 acres before 100% containment.

Read 928 times Last modified on Friday, 14 August 2009 03:51