Fire officials blame ATV for Stokes Fire

Written by Porterville Recorder

Monday, August 23, 2010

VISALIA — Cal Fire investigators have determined the Stokes Mountain fire was caused by an all terrain vehicle.

The ATV’s exhaust system came in contact with the dry vegetation sparking the fire at about 8 p.m. Tuesday. It grew to 879 acres. The fire is now 100 percent contained, but fire crews were expected to remain on scene through Friday.

Cal Fire Tulare Unit Chief Kirk Swartzlander is asking that the public who live, work and recreate in the wild land to be cautious while operating power equipment.

“When the temperatures increase and the humidity level drops, the chances of a wild land fire drastically increase,” Swartzlander said.
Swartzlander also asks that residents in the wildland maintain 100 feet clearance around all structures on their property.

For more information about reducing fire risks, visit fire.ca.gov or at readyforwildfire.org.

Source: http://www.recorderonline.com/news/fire-46293-visalia-atv.html

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