NEVADA CITY, Calif. September 15, 2017 – Firefighters are still mopping up the remnants of a vegetation fire next to Juvenile Hall reported around 9:00 am today. The fire, while officially still under investigation is likely an escaped camp fire – very close to last year’s “Camp Manzanita” Fire. The fire had been smoldering for several hours before reports of smoke came in to the Grass Valley Emergency Command Center.
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Original reports were for a smoke check near Hirschman’s Pond, but the fire was across Hwy 49, on county property again. Juvenile Hall or any adjacent homes were not threatened by the slow-burning fire.
Nevada City Fire Department and CAL FIRE engines and water tenders are still on scene. The fire is contained with a line of bare dirt, known as a handline, around it. Extinguishing the smoldering downed logs, tearing apart thick duff and cutting the ever-present brush within the fire’s perimeter is arduous work, with the very steep hill adding more difficulty.
Likely smoldering since last night, the fire has burned under an acre of vegetation. Nevada County has done some fuel reduction immediately adjacent to the gravel road, but the hillside is still overgrown and quite a few dead pine trees are still standing.
Burn ban still in effect
With cooler temperatures forecast for next week, homeowners and transients alike need to be aware that the burn ban is still in effect. No backyard debris burns and no campfires outside of improved campgrounds on public lands – with a campfire permit. Trespassing on private or public property and building a campfire can result in arson charges.