Volunteer firefighters battle Cachagua fire ahead of dry lightning threat along the Central Coast
CARMEL VALLEY, Calif. (KION-TV) - A fire in the Carmel Valley area raises concerns about the possibility of another larger fire in the near future, especially with dry lightning in the forecast.
Volunteers from Cachagua fire say they contained that fire at five acres. "Everybody's pretty on alert right now," said Susan Shaefer, who lives in Carmel Valley.
Volunteer firefighters with the Cachagua fire had a long night battling a fire at the 31-mile marker at Carmel Valley Road Sunday.
The fire started around 11:45 p.m. and spread to about 5 acres before Cachagua and CAL FIRE had full containment.
"There were some good three-foot flames, but we got it under control in two hours," said Captain Yancey Cabrera with Cachagua Fire.
Captain Cabrera says eight volunteer fire personnel jumped to the call. They were the first on the scene with CAL FIRE arriving shortly after.
Although the cause is still under investigation, Captain Cabrera says they suspect a car started the fire.
With dry grass surrounding the valley, and dry lightning in the forecast, CAL FIRE says they are on alert.
"The National Weather Service is predicting a 10-to-15% chance of dry lightning over the Central Coast area. They're expecting winds gusting up to 35 miles an hour; it's altered as well," said Josh Silvera with CAL FIRE.
I heard from people living in Carmel Valley who have had to evacuate because of fires in the past. They say they have already started fireproofing their home.
"Clearing the area around the houses for fire prevention, and then no barbecuing outside," said Shaefer.
Captain Cabrera says there are about 15 volunteers with the Cachagua Fire Department.
They want to have at least 20 during fire season. He says instances like Sunday night serve as a reminder of why Cachagua Fire is vital to the community.
"In the meantime, it is good to have a presence there and we made a difference," said Cabrera.
On July 13 Cachagua Fire will be holding a fundraiser to help with the volunteer fire department.
For more ways to keep your home fireproof click here.
