The fire was apparently started inadvertently by a Mule Crew State Prison work crew that experienced mechanical problems with their equipment trailer. The axel of the trailer broke will being transported, dropping to the pavement causing sparks which apparently started the fire. Hwy 88 was briefly closed for the fire fighting effort which included air drops of a chemical retardant, which according to Incident Commander CalFire Battalion Chief Dennis Tremelling, were well timed, and put down the blaze. The fire was contained to 3.4 acres and threatened many structures including some that were evacuated. Tremelling reports that fire crews stayed on scene for mop up, including washing fire retardant off of several homes near the fire.