Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services responded to a vegetation fire on Monday at about 7 pm.
The department says the fire was reported visible behind the Home Depot. First arriving units said the blaze was burning about half an acre of grass and oak woodland, with a slow rate of spread, but with several immediately threatened structures and power lines. The incident was determined to be directly related to an ongoing power outage in Atascadero at the time. 21 personnel responded, which included 6 engines, 2 command vehicles, and 1 air attack. Forward progress was stopped less than 30 minutes after dispatch.
Atascadero Fire said the area had undergone fuels reduction work, which contributed significantly to the slow rate of spread and containment. The department reports that the cause was a bird striking the power lines, resulting in an electrical arc that ignited nearby vegetation.
