On Friday, July 3 at 10:00 p.m., a 9-1-1 call was received reporting smoking vegetation near the intersection of Terminal Boulevard and San Antonio Road.

Units were dispatched at 10:01 p.m. and arrived on the scene at 10:10 p.m. They found a vegetation fire burning approximately one-quarter acre on each side of the Adobe Creek Loop Trail. Three additional fire apparatus and one Battalion Chief were immediately added to the incident.

It took 30 minutes for the 10 firefighters to stop the forward progress of the flames, using progressive hose lays in a mobile fire attack and hand tools from each of the four apparatus on scene. It took another hour for the incident to be declared under control and over. The burn was limited to approximately one-half acre. Firefighters mopped up the scene to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

The Mountain View Police Department provided traffic control for two hours while fire units and equipment were on the scene. There were no injuries as a result of the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

As a reminder, during the hot summer months, vegetation is drier and more susceptible to catching fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, by following a few safety tips, you can prevent these fires.
• Do not discard cigarettes from a moving vehicle.
• Keep grills at least 10 feet from structures.
• Ensure campfires are fully extinguished with water.
• All fireworks are prohibited in the City of Mountain View.

All fireworks, including those labeled safe and sane, are dangerous and illegal to use, own, or sell in all of Santa Clara County, except Gilroy. The Mountain View Police Department will fully investigate the use of illegal fireworks to protect the City's highly protected biodiverse area.

Fire Chief Brian Jones stated, "As Fire Chief, my highest priority is keeping our community safe. Fireworks are strictly prohibited in Mountain View; our dry conditions mean a single spark can instantly trigger devastating structure fires, wildland fires, and severe injuries. I ask all residents to stand with us in protecting our neighborhoods and open spaces. This Fourth of July, leave the risks behind and join us for the safe, professional, and spectacular celebration at Shoreline Amphitheatre."

Photographs
Individual images can be found at Flickr.com/photos/MVpublicsafety.
Please credit the images: Courtesy of the City of Mountain View Fire Department.

Media Contact
Robert Maitland, Fire Department PIO
650-903-6825 or [email protected]