Fire Department
Santa Clara County
Event #C172010046
Grass Fire: Altamont Road at Black Mountain, Los Altos Hills.
July 20, 2017 – 15:25 hours
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Engine 71, Engine 374, Engine 75 and Battalion 74 were dispatched to the report of grass fire at the Westwind Stables in the Byrne Preserve. Battalion 72 responded hearing the report. Mid-Peninsula Ranger was on scene reported a mowing operation started the fire and the individual was trying to contain it.
Engine 71 arrived and found a 1⁄2 acre grass fire mid slope backing up hill with wind slowing the spread. Engine 71 established Mountain IC and started a progressive hose lay on the left flank (Bravo Division). Engine 374 anchored with a progressive hose lay on the right flank (X-Ray Division). Battalion 74 became Mountain IC. The fire became more active making a couple runs up hill. A 2nd Brush Alarm was requested. Hose lines supported by incoming units flanked the fire as it moved from grass into light oak and brush. IC had concerns that the fire would move into a drainage and gain benefit of slope reversal and start moving towards structures; Battalion 72 was assigned to Red Rock Structure Protection Group to determine the threat and needs. A 3rd Brush Alarm was requested to support Red Rock Structure Protection Group.
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Cal Fire Copter 106 arrived and from the air they confirmed with Mountain IC that there was a threat to structures in the Red Rock area and requested an additional Helicopter. Copter 106 landed and deployed their crew to the head of the fire. Copter 106 made multiple water drops on the head of the fire slowing the spread. The hose lines progressed till they met at the head of the fire providing containment.
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Fix wing aircraft inbound were cancelled along with the second helicopter. Two Cal Fire Hand Crews arrived and cut line through the brush and trees.
A dozer that was under contract from Cal Fire arrived and cut line around the grass portion of the fire. Multiple Engines from Santa Clara Unit and Santa Cruz Unit arrived to assist with mop up.
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Rescue 74 was assigned to fire watch that evening and early morning. Engine 374 once staffed continued checking the area for hot spots.
