Spark from tractor clearing grass ignited California wildfire, authorities say

The person will not be charged for accidentally causing the blaze, which burned cars, a garage and 11 acres, the Fire Department says.

The brush fire that burned several cars, a garage and 11 acres in Corona on Monday, June 24, was ignited when a person using a tractor to cut dry grass created a spark in the brush, the Corona Fire Department said on Wednesday, June 26.

The fire was reported at 2:42 p.m. near Corona Avenue, with flames burning uphill in trees and bushes toward homes on Via Blairo and Mandeville Way.

The flames burned some property but no homes caught fire, Battalion Chief Josh Dinkle said.

Fire authorities encourage residents to clear brush and anything else that can burn away from their homes. But they discourage cutting weeds with equipment that could cause a spark if it hits a rock during the hottest times of the day. On Monday, such a spark, pushed by strong winds, threatened to destroy homes and prompted evacuations.

City spokeswoman Cindi Schmitz provided these tips for doing such work:

• Start early in the morning when vegetation has a higher moisture content.

• Avoid utilizing metal tools when the relative humidity is low.

• Use non-sparking tools.

• Make sure fuel cans are closed tightly and kept away from sources of ignition.

• Have a reliable water source nearby.

• Saturate the ground before you start, if possible.

• Walk the area before mowing or discing and remove or flag large rocks.

• Keep a cellphone with you programmed to your police and fire departments.

• Be attentive to the current weather forecast.

• Be extra cautious on days with elevated temperatures, low relative humidity, and gusty winds.