Fire investigators determine the cause of Bangor Fire
OROVILLE » Cal Fire-Butte County officials announced the cause of a July 9 fire that burned two-and-a-half acres off of Oroville Bangor Highway.
An investigator determined the fire, called the “Bangor Fire,” started when the blade of a riding lawnmower hit a rock and caused a spark, igniting a fire in grass and oak woodland.
The suspected person responsible was issued a citation for violating California Public Resource Code 4428 — an equipment-caused fire.
“The responsible party was mowing in the afternoon without an adequate water supply or a firefighting tool such as a shovel being present, as is required when operating equipment within State Responsibility Area,” a Cal Fire-Butte County press release stated.
Cal Fire-Butte County responded to the July 9 fire at 12:35 p.m. The fire was first reported to be near olive orchards in the 5200 block of Oroville Bangor Highway, southeast of Oroville.
The fire initially had a moderate rate of spread, though retardant drops from air tankers helped firefighters on the ground get ahead of the fire and stop the spread quickly, according to an incident fact sheet from Cal Fire-Butte County. It was reported to be fully contained just before 4:30 p.m.
A total of 45 personnel units responded, including four engines, two water tenders, two fire crews, two volunteer companies, two air tankers, one helicopter and one bulldozer.
Cal Fire-Butte County officials said conditions in and around the county are “extremely dry,” and reminded people using lawnmowers or powered equipment need to be finished by 10 a.m. each day. If it is a windy day, the aforementioned equipment should not be used at any time.
“Always remember that a single spark can cause a devastating wildfire,” the release said.