Firefighters are mopping up a wildfire in the East County that threatened some 80 homes and caused homeowners to back their bags and flee to safety.
The fire started Friday afternoon in the Willow Glen Estates, about 20 miles east of downtown. Firefighters attacked aggressively, working to contain the Willow Fire, burning near the Singing Hills Country Club.
About 80 homes were evacuated but none were damaged and residents were allowed to return Friday night.
“When I got here it had just crested the hill so I got to see the flames and I knew they were headed this way,” homeowner Jeff Hastings said.
Hastings said he knew he had done what he could to protect his home. His address was well marked, his driveway was cleared so fire trucks could make it up and around his home and the ice plant was cleared 100 feet back. Just Friday morning, he was out maintaining that clearance.
“I was up at the bank filling trash cans with brush, I do weeding, and cut it down and get it out of here because it's fuel,” he said.
Cal Fire Captain Nick Schuler says Hastings also did right by clearing brush before the day got hot.
“What we don't want is for people to do that after ten in the morning,” Schuler said. “Unfortunately, each year, we see dozens of fires started with people trying to do the right thing at the wrong time.”
Luckily, this time the fire broke out on a cool day, with mild winds – but still, a fiery curtain raising to the unofficial start of summer.
“As we've seen fires increase over last several days, make sure you have that defensible space, if you're going to use that barbeque, make sure it's out, This weekend, enjoy yourself, but be fire safe,” Schuler said.
Don't be surprised if you get a knock on your door as firefighters inspect properties, and in the city, possibly issuing fines. As one firefighter put it;
"Hopefully, this is not a sign of things to come, but rather an unfortunate reminder -- to be ready.”
The fire is currently about 80 percent contained. Firefighters hope to fully contain it Saturday.
One firefighter and one civilian were slightly injured.
