GREENFIELD — South Monterey County Fire District and Cal Fire responded to a call for a vegetation fire June 7 at 11:41 a.m. near the intersection of Arroyo Seco Road and Elm Avenue, south of Greenfield.
Aircraft resources responding included an air attack, two air tankers and a helicopter. Ground resources included a battalion chief, five engines and two hand crews from Cal Fire, a water tender from SOMOCO and an engine from Greenfield.
As aircraft arrived flying overhead, the air attack officer reported the fire to be about 3 acres burning at a moderate rate of spread. With coordinated efforts from both ground and air resources, crews were able to keep the fire to just under 10 acres.
The cause of the fire was found out to be a mower, which the property owner was using to cut down dry grass and brush.
“The property owner will be held financially responsible for the suppression costs of fighting the fire due to causing the fire,” Cal Fire said in a news release.
Cal Fire reminds the public to visit ReadyForWildfire.org for fire prevention information. Mowers are intended to cut green grass, not dead or dry weeds and grass.
“Never mow on extremely dry or hot days,” Cal Fire said. “If you’re going to mow, plan to mow in the early part of the day when it is cooler. Remember, you may be doing the right thing but at the wrong way.”
