MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – A controlled burn on Monday afternoon got out of control, with local firefighters called to put the blaze out.
The fire was reported at 21100 Jerusalem Grade Road at around 3:20 p.m., according to radio reports.
South Lake County Fire Battalion Chief Scott Upton said the fire started on the vacant piece of property when the owner was burning to clear the land.
Upton said the fire ultimately burned about an acre.
He said South Lake County Fire and Cal Fire responded with a total of three engines, a hand crew and a water tender.
Firefighters had to hike about half a mile in just to reach the fire, around which they cut a control line, Upton said.
Despite the recent rains, the fire spread quickly, he said.
“It’s just deceptively dry this year,” Upton noted.
As he was leaving the scene Upton also came upon a vehicle crash at Jerusalem Grade and Canyon Road.
The California Highway Patrol reported that the crash was a hit and run, with the blue and tan Ford Explorer that was found off the roadway having been abandoned. No injuries were reported.
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