Brush fires spark in Atascadero amid triple digit heat
ATASCADERO, Calif. — Several brush fires sparked in the city of Atascadero Saturday, amid triple digit heat, according to Cal Fire San Luis Obispo County dispatch.
At approximately 11:48 a.m. Cal Fire SLO were dispatched to Los Altos road and San Marcos road about a brush fire.
According to Atascadero Fire and Emergency Services dispatch, fire crews gained control of the fire, keeping it under half an acre and safe from nearby residential homes. The fire was quickly put out at about 12:21 p.m.
A second fire began at approximately 12:08 p.m. northbound on highway 101 near the San Anselmo road exit and the embankment on Del Rio Road, according to the California Highway Patrol and Cal Fire SLO dispatch.
Atascadero Fire says the fire was stopped at 2 acres and nearly reached the southbound lane underpass of HWY 101. The fire was put out about 1:32 p.m., according to CHP.
Both brush fires were captured by AlertCalifornia cameras provided by Pacific & Gas Electric and Cal Fire.
A total of 36 firefighters, 10 engines, 1 water tender and 4 command officers were used on the incident. Crews remained on scene for over 5 hours to full extinguish the fire.
Other emergency services on the scene of the fire were: Atascadero Police, San Luis County Sherriff, Atascadero State Hospital Fire, Paso Robles Fire, Templeton Fire, San Miguel Fire and PG&E.
CHP momentarily closed the northbound lane entrance on San Anselmo road due to the brush fire near the highway. CHP issued a sig-alert at approximately 1:02 p.m.
Road closures led to heavy traffic and a traffic collision near the San Anselmo offramp, reported CHP.
No injuries were sustained to the public or responders, according to Atascadero Fire.
"The cause of the fire was roadway related from vehicles passing by on Highway 101," said AFES Battalion Chief Matt Miranda. "Further investigation is currently underway."
