Prescribed Burn Along Highway 101 Jumps Control Lines, Injury Reported

Crews at the scene of the prescribed burn before the fire escaped. [Crop of an image from the CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit]

The burn was part of Caltrans’ Highway 101 Vegetation Management Project, a routine effort to clear out hazardous brush along the corridor so it doesn’t fuel a bigger fire later. Crews were actively burning when the fire pushed past the lines they’d set to contain it. At that point, the operation turned into a fight to stop the blaze. Firefighters on scene moved into contingency tactics and got the fire stopped before it could spread far. By the time CAL FIRE issued its update, the burn had grown to about 1.7 acres and was 25% contained.

CAL FIRE’s release doesn’t mention anyone getting hurt. But scanner traffic during the incident referenced a 26-year-old man who fell and received a knee injury while the fire was being brought under control.

According to the release,

CAL FIRE recognizes the public’s concern when incidents such as this occur. While prescribed fire remains one of the most effective tools for reducing hazardous fuels and protecting California’s communities from catastrophic wildfire, all of these incidents are taken very seriously
CAL FIRE appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as firefighters continue suppression efforts.