Quick Response Stops Wildfire Near Table Mountain

Dry conditions from the drought prompted a fast response from fire fighters to attack a wildfire near Millerton and Auberry Roads.

The blaze burned ten acres. And at one point threatened homes.

Fire crews attacked the wildfire on from the air with tankers and helicopters.

Auberry Road was crowded with fire trucks, as more crews arrived to battle the flames. While people who live near the fire worked to protect their homes.

"The neighbors called. The police called them and asked for us to start watering our perimeter, so that’s what we’ve been doing," said home owner David Placeres.

Placeres has never seen fire this close to his home.
And he’s never seen the grass on the neighbors property this high. The owners of that land used to have cattle that grazed.

"They haven’t run cattle here for three years and I’m sure that’s because of the drought. He sold all his cattle," Placeres said.

The grass that’s grown has dried out. And it’s like that all over this part of the foothills.
David has a hookup on his property for the fire trucks. And water tanks filled with water.

"Fortunately we didn’t have to use it today," Placeres said.

He didn’t worry much in the past about the threat of wildfire, but after years of drought, that’s changed.

"Roughly five years ago we got an increase on the Cal Fire cost for rural properties. And at first you’re thinking, why should I pay another $ 115 on top of my taxes. But i can see where the money is worth it today," Placeres said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.