East Valley vegetation fire sparks in unused grape field
Firefighters contained a vegetation fire that sparked in an unused grape field in Mecca around 7:20 a.m. on Thursday, May 14.
Authorities said the field was overgrown with brush and the fire quickly grew to about 20 acres due to wind blowing eastward at 15 to 20 MPH.
Officials said the fire didn’t pose a threat to nearby homes or buildings, however, they let the flames burn for awhile because they believed arsenic was in the stakes that were used to hold the grapes and officials didn’t think there was a reason to put firefighters in any unnecessary danger.
Cal Fire said windy conditions fanned the flames eastward at 15 to 20 MPH.
The California Highway Patrol and County Roads closed 64th Avenue at Lincoln Street, 64th Avenue at Johnson Avenue and 64th Avenue at Dale Kiler Road while firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
Students and staff at Saul Martinez Elementary School sheltered in place due to heavy smoke in the area, according to a release from the Riverside County Fire Department.
“We have Mecca Elementary that is actually a little closer to where the fire, they are not being impacted as much right now, the bigger concern was Saul Martinez and we do have students who are on modified lock down so we are keeping our students in doors in order to no inhale any of the smoke,” said Francinni Zabata, public information officer for the Coachella Valley Unified School District.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) issued a smoke advisory for nearby areas. Officials said residents in the area should avoid outdoor exposure and activity if possible.
Officials advise everyone to avoid vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should remain indoors. Keep windows and doors closed or seek alternate shelter. You should also run your air conditioner if you have one. You shouldn’t use a swamp cooler or whole-house fan to prevent bringing additional smoke inside, according to the release.
The Imperial Irrigation District was also on scene because the fire threatened power lines in the area, and a Riverside County hazardous materials team responded due to the arsenic in the stakes.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
