Northern California officials suspect illegal fireworks to blame for several wildfires

(FOX40.COM) — Several fires were started in Northern California over the Fourth of July holiday, and officials suspect that illegal fireworks are to blame for many of them.
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Folsom

Firefighters from the Folsom Fire Department responded to a tree fire at a residential home on Kerr Court in Folsom around 9:05 p.m. The flames threatened three homes and spread to a fence and an outbuilding.

According to FFD, the fire grew quickly under strong winds and had already began to burn one home by the time crews arrived. The flames destroyed a wood fence and an outbuilding. It also caused minor damage to one home. However, firefighters determined the home was still safe to occupy.

Firefighters said they contained the fire in 12 minutes and suspect it was caused by fireworks.

Roseville

Shortly before midnight on Friday, the Roseville Fire Department responded to a vegetation fire in the field next to West Park High School, bordered by Bob Doyle Drive, Hayden Parkway, and Panther Place.

The flames reached 10 acres before firefighters could put it out, according RFD. No structures were damaged, and the high school was not affected. Firefighters remained at the scene overnight for mop-up operations.

Sacramento

Sacramento-are firefighters responded to a multitude of fires Friday night. According to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, Sacramento, Folsom and the Delta-area districts were all impacted.

Officials said that in total, crews responded to 101 grass fires, 14 commercial fires, 16 residential fires, 22 trash fires, and 15 tree fires. Additionally, firefighters responded to 122 other uncategorized fires.

Placer County

Around 9:40 p.m., the Placer County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fire off Bickford Ranch Road near Sierra College Boulevard. The flames were likely caused by fireworks even though all fireworks were banned in unincorporated Placer County.

The fire prompted immediate evacuation orders for houses on Poppy Hill Lane and Lyles Lane.Shortly after, the flames were extinguished and evacuation orders were lifted. No injuries or damage were reported.

Woodland

The Woodland Fire Department was called to a grass fire across from Pioneer High School near Farmer Central Road on Friday evening. Officials said the fire was caused by fireworks and that it was reported by multiple callers. The flames spread to about 400 square feet before crews arrived.

According to WFD, the fire was extinguished without damage to nearby structures.

“Fireworks that do not have the California Safe & Sane seal are illegal and pose serious risks to lives, property, and open space,” WFD said. “Let’s keep our community safe.”