With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Caltrans workers accidentally spark 241 Fire with lawnmower, authorities say
In file photo, an abandoned structure burns above Irvine Lake.
(
Stuart Palley for KPCC
)
A lawnmower sparked a fire in Orange County on Monday that forced the evacuation of nearby campgrounds and the closure of several roads, Caltrans officials said.
A Caltrans worker mowing weeds saw sparks come out from the machine and cause a flare up in the vegetation, , said Caltrans's David Richardson. The crew was unable to immediately stop the fire before it spread, although the mower was followed by a water tender.
"It was very quickly that the person that was on the water tender was able to get out of the truck and start to pump to water on the fire," Richardson said. "Unfortunately, they were unable to extinguish [it]."
Richardson said the work was done according to policy since Monday was not declared a red flag day by the National Weather Service.
Sponsored message
The fire, also known as the 241 Fire, was reported Monday morning on the northbound 241. It prompted evacuations at the Irvine Lake campgrounds and road closures, including Santiago Canyon Road between the 241 and Modjeska Canyon.
The 180-acre fire also burned two abandoned outbuildings and threatened 15 other structures.
Fire authorities investigating the situation spoke to the Caltrans employees. Richardson said the fire was ruled an accident.
"They are two great employees," Richardson said of the crew members. "Unfortunately, it just got away from them a little too quickly that day."
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
