April 26 - San Bernardino County firefighters responded to an early morning vegetation fire just south of the Jack Smith Memorial Park in Needles. The wind driven fire quickly spread in a southerly direction destroying an abandoned building. Over 100 firefighters battled the blaze and the 25-30 MPH winds. With winds forecasted to diminish throughout the evening, firefighters expect to have full containment by Wednesday (4/27) evening. The fire charred approximately 300 acres and burned between the railroad tracks and the Colorado River. There were no residential structures threatened and no evacuations were necessary.

San Bernardino County Fire Investigators determined the fire started when the wind blew embers from an unattended campfire located in a known transient compound, into the thick vegetation. San Bernardino County Fire warns if weather conditions are dry and warm or there are high winds, resist building a fire unless necessary. A small spark is all it takes to ignite dry grass and leaves. Keep a pail of sand or water nearby in the event it is needed to control the fire or extinguish it. Always keep a careful eye on fires. Before you go to sleep at night or if you must leave the campfire, be sure to extinguish the fire completely. Douse the fire with water or sand, break up the coals or wood, add more water or sand, and stir it with a stick.

The photo depicts a successful backfiring operation to stop the progression of the fire.

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