Fast Moving Fairfield Fire
Three houses were damaged in Fairfield because of a four-alarm fire that began along with a homeless encampment. Strong winds through the area helped to spread the fire to the nearby homes.
What Happened?
The fire broke out around 3:45 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2016. Authorities said the fire started on Linear Trail, near North Texas Street, in Fairfield.
According to the Fairfield Police, the fire started and quickly spread to grass, then to a neighboring fence, which started a shed type structure on fire.
Strong Winds Fueled Fire
Strong winds fueled the fire into the path of nearby homes. About 10 houses had to be evacuated along the 200 block of Santa Barbara Way, according to the Fairfield Police.
Fire crews were able to contain the grass fire and stop the fire from spreading. But it took additional time and manpower to put out fires at the three homes.
No Injuries Reported
Thankfully, no one was injured in the grass fire or in the residences where the fire quickly spread.
Several pets had to be rescued and others escaped without injury.
Neighbors Tried to Fight Fire with Garden Hoses
Neighbors were in a state of panic when they discovered their homes were in danger of being destroyed by fire. Together, they worked to knock the fire down with their garden hoses as they waited for fire personnel to arrive.
With the strong winds fueling the grass fire, residents realized their garden hoses were no match for the quickly spreading flames.
One resident said she was really scared and had never seen anything like it in her life.
Residents Evacuated for their Safety
Another resident said he would have fought that fire with his garden hose for a lot longer, but fire crews pulled him out of there as they evacuated the neighborhood. That same resident said he only had time to grab his favorite book from his home.
Transients in the Area of Linear Trail
Residents said they take issue with transients hanging out on the trail behind their home where the fire broke out.
Fairfield Police said they patrol the area on a regular basis and have been trying to assist the transient community through a homeless intervention program.
Assistance for Families Displaced
The Salvation Army and the Red Cross are providing services to the families displaced by the fast-moving Fairfield fire.
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Source of Fast Moving Fairfield Fire:
- ABC10.com
- KCRA 3 New
- Image Attribution: Flames.jpg, via Wikimedia Commons