VIDEO: A wildfire that led to evacuations in Yuba County was sparked by accident, according to California’s wildfire management agency, Cal Fire. A person was working on a vehicle with an impact wrench when too much friction generated enough heat to ignite dry seasonal grasses, Cal Fire said. The person tried to put out the fire using hand tools and water, but it did not work, and they called 911.
The Ponderosa Fire started just after 3 p.m. Sunday along Ponderosa Way north of Sunset Road in the Oregon House area, Cal Fire said. When it first sparked, it had a dangerous rate of spread and threatened structures, leading to around 1,500 residents being put under evacuation warnings or orders.
Steep, rugged, mountainous terrain made extinguishing the fire particularly difficult for crews. Cal Fire used three nighttime flying helicopters to monitor the fire overnight. As of 8:44 a.m. Monday, the fire had burned at least 87 acres. Crews have established about 26% containment around the fire, which is a perimeter to help prevent the fire from continuing to spread. Cal Fire said the person who started the fire stayed at the scene and has been cooperative with investigators.
