Multiple units from the Folsom Fire Department and additional agencies responded to a vegetation fire in the city of Folsom Friday afternoon that grew rapidly. As of 4:30 p.m., the Folsom Fire Department reported that they had stopped forward progress on the fire after working to contain it for just over two hours in an area that is posing challenges for crews
The fire broke out at 2:00 p.m. Friday in the area of Parkshore Drive and Folsom Boulevard. The blaze ignited in the same area of a fire Thursday evening. Upon arrival, firefighters reported that the active fire was burning an area approximately 200 x 200 feet in size and requested additional units respond to the scene where a great deal of dry fuels and vegetation were quickly fueling the fire and a large amount of cobblestone is hindering firefighters efforts to contain the fire by traditional methods, according to Folsom Fire Assistant Chief Chad Wilson.
“Crews are being hindered by difficult access and terrain,” Chad Wilson, Folsom Fire’s Assistant Chief told Folsom Times. “We have also been challenged by burning hazard trees that threaten to fall on crews working. The vegetation burning is interspersed with cobble from mine operation tailings. One of our normal tactics for limiting fire spread is to “cut line” around the fire scraping all vegetation materials away until bare mineral soil is exposed. This is how we create “fireline”. This fire is burning in areas of cobble that makes it impossible to scrape down to bare mineral soil.”
In addition to multiple engines from the Folsom Fire Department, Sacramento Metro Fire Department, Folsom Prison Fire, CalFire and the California Office of Emergency Services, assisting on the ground in the heavily wooded area that backs up to bike trails and the shoreline of Lake Natoma, firefighting efforts were also performed from the air with the assistance of Sacramento Copter 1.
“We have been assisted by Metro Fire ground and aviation assets, Cal Fire, and Folsom State Prison Fire Department crews,” added Wilson. “We are grateful for the assistance and spirit of cooperation.”
The firefight required many firefighters to trek into the area on foot from their engines stationed along Folsom Boulevard. Just before 5 p.m.. crews had brought the blaze to approximately 70% containment at that time, a number that Wilson expected to remain as crews will work overnight and into the morning to reach full containment.
“Forward progress has been stopped at 9 acres, but we are only calling the fire 70% contained. Folsom Fire crews will remain on site overnight monitoring the fire and controlling hot spots,” Wilson said. “Tomorrow morning the fire will be staffed with a Chief Officer, 2 Fire Engines, and 1 Cal Fire hand crew. Resources will be added as needed. We hope to reach 100% containment tomorrow.”
Folsom Police have closed access to Parkshore Drive and expect it to be closed to traffic for approximately 6-8 hours into the evening to allow firefighters to fully contain and mop up the fire. Folsom Police urge motorists on Folsom Boulevard to drive with caution as firefighting equipment remains in the area and crews will be staying overnight and allowing much of the area to burn itself out.
At this time the cause of Friday’s fire or the original fire in its location has not been officially released by Folsom Fire or Folsom Police as they investigate.
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