Repeated Fires in Hills Above CHS Raise Concerns

For the fourth time this year, Belmont firefighters responded to a fire in the hills above Carlmont High School.

According to the Belmont Police Department, on Sunday at about 1:45 p.m., firefighters found an unattended campfire that had damaged approximately 100 square-feet of hillside near the school.

"Fortunately, we received the call right away and got to it before it could spread. This is the kind of carless act that can lead to a major fire,” said Deputy Belmont Fire Chief Mike Gaffney.

The previous fires occurred in January, April and May.

The lack of winter rains has resulted in dry conditions across the state. Fire officials have advised that this year is likely to go down as one of the driest ever.

Deputy Chief Gaffney noted, “We are seeing conditions in our hills and canyons now that we normally won’t see until September.”

The open space where Sunday’s fire occurred is a popular spot for mountain bikers, but is also frequented by juveniles who often set small campfires. Sunday’s fire appears to have been caused by a campfire that had not been fully extinguished and reignited.

The Belmont Fire Department urges residents, especially in the western hills, to practice fire safety and offers the following tips:

•    Maintain 100 feet of defensible space where possible.

•    Remove all dead plants, grass, & weeds within 30 feet of your home.

•    Trim trees 6 feet from the ground.

•    Remove all leaves, pine needles and debris from roofs.

•    Create an Evacuation Plan in case of a wildfire.

•    Be careful with barbeques, outdoor fire places and other sources of open     flame