Lauren Rabaino
A brush fire that started Saturday morning on the hill that holds the “P” at Cal Poly consumed 50 acres, a Cal Fire spokesman said.
Investigators have determined that the six illegal bottle rockets found at the scene were the cause of the fire. No arrests have been made as investigators are still gathering information.
The fire, which was fully contained by Sunday morning, started burning vegetation at 6:08 a.m. Saturday when officials warned nearby neighborhoods of a possible structure threat. After a wind direction change, relative humidity increases and suppression efforts by Cal Fire, the threat was called off.
“The wind was in our favor and thanks to quick, aggressive fighting, the fire was put out,” Cal Fire information officer Es Berliner said.
More than a dozen fire departments in San Luis Obispo County sent a total of 153 firefighters to contain the blaze Saturday. By mid-afternoon, firefighters had made a line around the fire and had it 75 percent contained.
Cal Fire sent one air attack, four air tankers, two helicopters and 10 fire trucks to the scene.
The only injury reported was a minor injury to one of the hand crew members, officials said.
Cal Fire did not call for or plan any evacuations, nor were any transmission lines or nearby structures damaged by the fire.
Cal Fire reminds citizens that the use, sale or possession of all fireworks is illegal in San Luis Obispo County. A violation will result in a misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $2,000.
“Safe and Sane” fireworks are, however, allowed in the following locations: San Miguel Fire District, Templeton Fire District, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach and the Oceano Fire District.