In Southeast Fresno, a significant grass fire erupted, visible from miles away, drawing multiple fire crews into action around 3 p.m. The blaze originated in a backyard and quickly spread to neighboring properties, prompting a swift response from firefighters.

Terrifying Ordeal for Residents

Susan Kelly, a resident whose property was affected by the fire, described the ordeal as terrifying, especially for senior citizens like herself. The flames leaped from a neighbor’s property to hers, engulfing several vehicles parked in the backyard where the fire originated. Kelly estimated the loss of equipment and materials from her garage, used for her fence business, at approximately $60,000.

Cause of Ignition and Fire Spread

Battalion Chief Sean Johnson of the Fresno Fire Department attributed the fire’s cause to an accidental ignition. A visitor inadvertently parked their car on dry grass, resulting in the catalytic converter igniting the surrounding area. The combination of dry conditions and wind facilitated the fire’s rapid spread, engulfing multiple outbuildings and adjacent land.

Calls for Prevention Measures

Kelly expressed frustration over the lack of preventive measures, citing her efforts to persuade neighbors to address weed overgrowth and vehicle storage in their backyard. She emphasized the need for policies or interventions to mitigate such risks without solely relying on individual homeowners’ actions.

Past Incidents and Current Concerns

The fire’s proximity to a previous incident, where a neighbor’s house was burned down, underscores the recurring threat posed by neglected vegetation. Despite attempts to reach out to the property owner, Mountain View Church, for comment, no response has been received yet.

Reminder for Weed Management

Responding to the incident, officials reiterated the importance of weed abatement and proactive measures to reduce fire hazards. The battalion chief emphasized the necessity of promptly addressing overgrown vegetation to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Residents Express Concerns

Despite the severity of the situation, residents affected by the fire declined to comment further on the incident, emphasizing the urgency of addressing fire safety concerns in the community.

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