This article was written by BenitoLink intern Kaitlyn Martinez. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
The causes of the Panoche, Cienega, and Hernandez fires that occurred in late May and June in South San Benito County are still under investigation, according to Cal Fire. The fires, which burned a combined 838 acres, are 100% contained.
Cal Fire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira said that the investigation bureau has had its hands full with an already busy fire season which began June 17 in San Benito and Monterey counties.
Since May 1, Cal Fire has responded to 47 vegetation fires in San Benito County as of June 25, he said.
“Our investigation bureau have their hands full,” Silveira said. “It’s been a pretty busy season already.”
Asked whether arson or power lines were possible causes for the three fires, he said nothing has been ruled out but that he doesn’t believe arson is suspected. Before a cause for each fire is released, he said investigators want to be 100% sure that they have identified the cause of the fire and all other possibilities have been ruled out.
He said pinpointing the origin of the Hernandez Fire has taken a bit more effort. The fire began on June 15, burning 642 acres. It was 100% contained by June 20.
Hollister Fire Department has also responded to multiple fires outside the city limits. Hollister Battalion Chief Charlie Bedolla said he is unable to give the exact number of fires his department has responded to since May, but that firefighters have been responding to fires every day.
According to Cal Fire, there are many precautions people can take to avoid causing wildfires:
- Always keeping a shovel and bucket of water within arm’s reach when enjoying a campfire
- Never using fireworks near dry grass or other flammable materials
- Remembering that lawn mowers are for lawns, not for dry weeds or grass, because metal blades can spark fires when they hit rocks
- Not parking cars on dry grass
Many fires are caused by simple mistakes like these, so awareness of the tall, dry grass that is a result of the 2023-24 winter rainy season will make unintentional fires less likely.
Cal Fire encourages people to have a well-thought-out wildfire action plan:
- Determining a meeting point
- Identifying escape routes
- Making arrangements for animals
- Having a communication plan
Additional resources:
- Campfire safety
- Firework safety
- Equipment and vehicle use to avoid causing sparks
- Target shooting safety
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