Two Fires Within a Half-Hour of Each Other; Cause Not Yet Known

There were two vegetation fires in Benicia within about a half-hour of each other on Sunday. One fire was reported at 1:52 a.m. and the other was at 2:32 a.m., according to the Benicia Fire Department. 

Authorities don't know the cause of the fires, but considering the cool, humid weather conditions, evidence suggests "heat was applied to ignite the drying grass." 

The first fire occurred on the 600 block of East N Street and was reported by a Benicia Police Officer, according to the department.

"The second fire, located on Bayshore Road, approximately 1/8 mile east of the highway 680 off ramp, was reported by a Valero Oil Refinery employee," according to a statement. "A first alarm assignment was sent to each event." 

According to the Benicia Fire Department: 

The first alarm consisted of Benicia’s two engines, two brush units, one water tender, and one Duty Chief plus one engine from Vallejo.  Arriving Benicia Firefighters quickly confined and extinguished the grass fires, allowing Vallejo engine to be reassigned for city coverage standby duty.  Each grass fire burned areas approximately 40 x 100 feet. There were no property damage or civilian injuries.  One Firefighter sustained a minor muscle strain combating the fires.  The causes of the fires are undetermined.  However the evidence suggests the fires began near the road side and significant heat was applied to ignite the drying grass given the climatic conditions (high relative humidity and cool temperatures).

The Benicia Fire Department wish to remind our neighbors that peak fire season is fast approaching.  The City of Benicia is doing all it can to prevent fires and to provide rapid response when fires occur.  We have used goats to mitigate brush in our open space.  Next month we will begin discing the perimeters of open space.  Firefighters are conducting specific vegetation firefighting drills, including off-road driver training. 

The Benicia Fire Department and Allied Waste Services are hosting the annual citywide green waste and weed abatement clean-up program.  This annual free program is for Benicia residents who need to clean up their property of weeds and other vegetation.  Only green waste/vegetation will be accepted at this event.

The spring clean-up event is being held at the Benicia Corporation Yard, 2400 East Second Street on Saturday and Sunday, May 18th and 19th, 2013.  The event will run both days from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This event is open to Benicia residents only and it is for homeowner’s use.  No commercial dumping will be allowed.  If you have any questions on this program, please contact the Benicia Fire Department during business hours at 746-4275.

You can assist us in protecting our community by:

• Creating or maintaining defensible space around your home.  This is accomplished by clearing dead or dying vegetation from around your home, trim trees, and remove unnecessary combustible items from your yard.  Please do not forget to check for dead vegetation surrounding decks.  Your goal is to slow fire spread approaching your home
• Follow manufacturer maintenance schedule and instructions when using gasoline powered tools or equipment (lawn mowers, trimmers, etc.) and have a garden hose, shovel or portable fire extinguisher nearby when using power tools near dry vegetation
• Ensure children are aware of the dangers associated with playing with matches, lighters or  spark producing materials
• Neighbors looking out for their neighbors
• If you see smoke or detect the odor of burning vegetation do not hesitate in calling 9-1-1

Let us all remain vigilant and prepared as the days lengthen and the temperature rises.