LUCERNE, Calif. – Firefighters on Saturday evening remained at the scene of a small wildland fire in Lucerne to mop up after containing the blaze through aggressive ground and air attack.
The fire, in the area of Bender and Rancho Vista drives, was reported at about 7:40 p.m.
Central Dispatch received numerous calls, with callers stating they could see flames.
Northshore Fire personnel responding from the Nice area said they could see a column of smoke from a distance.
Units arriving on scene from Northshore Fire and Cal Fire said the fire was burning between two to three acres, up a slope at a moderate race of speed, through oak and grass woodland.
Cal Fire units headed out of county were redirected to the fire, with four tankers and a helicopter also dispatched.
The four tankers all did drops before being released back to their bases, according to radio reports.
Forward progress on the fire was reported to be stopped just after 8:30 p.m.
At that point, the fire was estimated to be about three acres, with a large ground force still on scene and Cal Fire air attack calling for one more tanker drop. Hose lay also had been placed all around the fire.
Northshore Fire Chief Jay Beristianos estimated the final size the fire would be closer to four acres.
He said the fire started in an area where children had been playing.
Just before 9 p.m., Beristianos said mop up was under way and was expected to continue for some time.
“We're going to be here for quite a few hours,” Beristianos said.
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