LAKEPORT — In a well-orchestrated effort by Lakeport Fire Protection District, Northshore Fire Protection District, CALFIRE and Kelseyville Fire, a vegetation fire that began on the 3300 block of Hill Road, jumped Scotts Creek and threatened a structure on Wednesday afternoon was halted.
Bob Kalis and Dana Markus of Lakeport were nearby picking tomatoes when they noticed the blaze that was ignited by a quad pulling a lawn mowing device. The men called 9-1-1 and grabbed hoses. “It only took about five minutes for the fire chief to arrive,” Kalis said.
The fire began at approximately 2 p.m., roughly 10 minutes after the driver of the quad began the yard work. Two to three acres burned and crews remained for about six hours for the purpose of mop-up. The fire got into a heavy timber area, where there were a lot of old tree stumps by the creek, posing additional fire danger. It burned from the hill to the valley floor, according to Lakeport Fire Protection District Capt. Bob Ray.
Lakeport Fire Chief Ken Wells said it is wise to have a hose or water supply readily available. Wells advised that it is best to cut tall, dry vegetation with a weed eater as opposed to a lawn mower. He said the best time to do so is in the early morning when humidity is high.
