Investigators are looking into a fire that gutted a large estate in the hills of Olivenhain.
It started in the 3500 block of Copper Crest Rd. around noon on Friday, firefighters said. Three fire departments responded to the fire, which was in a heavily wooded area. Investigators said propane tanks played a role in the fire and that the home had a well-cleared perimeter.
Firefighters were unable to save the home, but were able to keep the fire from spreading to neighboring homes. Neighbors said the big firestorms of 2003 and 2007 have put them on high alert for spreading flames and flying embers.
“It’s scary to all of us that live out here at the end of Lone Jack Rd., because most of us live on the perimeter where all the open space is when a home catches on fire,” Rob Gunness said. “We’re all at risk because of the open space and brittle timber.”
One firefighter suffered a minor leg injury while fighting the fire.
