On Saturday July 2nd, Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services responded to multiple fires within the riverbed in the City of Paso Robles.
The first fire was reported at 8:58 a.m. near the wastewater treatment plant off Sulfur Springs Rd. Upon arrival of the first unit, a second fire was discovered north of that location adjacent to Highway 101. A third fire was discovered by units at scene at approximately 9:39 a.m. south of the wastewater treatment plant. Fortunately, due to the recent hazardous fuel mitigation completed by the livestock grazing this fire remained small. All three fires were fully controlled at .51 acres at 12:38 p.m.
Three engines, one water tender, and two battalion chiefs from Paso Robles responded. Under the City of Paso Robles Automatic Aid and Mutual Threat Zone Agreements with SLO County / Cal Fire, a significant augmentation of fire resources responded to the incidents. Eight fire engines, one battalion chief, one water tender, one transport/dozer, and one hand crew from CAL FIRE/SLO County responded. Under the City of Paso Robles Automatic Aid Agreement with Atascadero Fire and Emergency Services one engine responded.
At 1:39 p.m. a fourth fire was reported in the riverbed along North River just south of Highway 46 East. First unit at scene found a fire confined to a homeless encampment with no spread to the vegetation. The fire was quickly extinguished by Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services.
All four fires were suspicious in nature and remain under investigation.
Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind residents that the vegetation is critically dry, and the threat of wildfire remains very high. Please remain vigilant to prevent “One Less Spark” especially during the July 4th Holiday.