Wind Driven Vegetation Fire Burns in Needles, California

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San Bernardino County firefighters responded to an early morning vegetation fire just south of the Jack Smith Memorial Park in Needles on April 26, 2011. The wind driven fire quickly spread in a southerly direction destroying an abandoned building.  Over 100 firefighters are battling the 25 MPH winds and have stopped the forward rate of spread. The fire is now 50% contained. With winds expected to diminish throughout the evening, firefighters are hopeful to have full containment by this evening.   

The fire has currently burned approximately 300 acres and is burning between the railroad tracks and the Colorado River.  There are no structures threatened and no evacuation in place at this time. 

 San Bernardino County Fire Investigators determined the fire was started when the wind blew embers from an unattended campfire located in a known transient compound, into the thick vegetation.  

San Bernardino County Fire warns if weather conditions are dry and warm or there are high winds, resist building a fire unless necessary. A small spark is all it takes to ignite dry grass and leaves. Keep a pail of sand or water nearby in the event it is needed to control the fire or extinguish it. Always keep a careful eye on fires. Before you go to sleep at night or if you leave the campfire for a while, be sure to extinguish the fire completely. Douse the fire with water or sand, break up the coals or wood, add more water or sand, and stir it with a stick.



Author:San Bernardino County Fire Dept. Press Release