PORTERVILLE CA. -- Sometime around 3:15pm smoke caught the attention of a few local residents who live inside Casa Del Rio - one of Porterville’s south side semi-secluded residential areas. How it started - many at the facility stated – they did not know. A few of the neighboring youths told the Post, “ ... it looked like it started around one of those trees at the edge of the playground. Maybe it started by itself.”
In about 5 minutes, the Post was told; the Porterville Fire Department - along with the Tulare County Fire Department - made their way over to the secluded residential area and attacked the southeast part of the grass fire. A few minutes later several other rigs arrived and quickly put out the fire which was heading further up stream on the southwest side. The fire spread down to the edge of the river, about 50 yards in width and spanned east and west along the north side of the river about 125 yards in length.
Of concern, were the homes adjacent to the grass fire. All of the home owners and renters were in their back yards spraying water over their fences and towards the fire. At one point, it appeared that three - possibly four homes - could have quickly caught fire.
Stopping the fire from taking over the play ground was a sidewalk and a lot of green grass. Home owners who lived next to the play ground made sure that the play ground was protected.
Once again, the Post had a chance to tell those Firemen who drove those trucks, pulled those hoses and put out that fire … thanks. We ask that you do the same.
GOD Bless guys … great job.
