A Cal Fire captain at the scene says it started around 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon when someone was cutting their lawn to reduce the fire risk around their home.
The mower struck an object that sparked the fire. The flames threatened at least four homes and a barn, and damaged a trailer. Crews were able to prevent any major losses. Now they're reminding everyone to limit mowing to the morning hours.
Capt. Ryan Michaels of Cal Fire Fresno Co. said, "In early morning hours there's more humidity, more moisture...that moisture content does help prevent a strike or spark from a metal object igniting a fire."
The captain also said no one reported this fire until long after a chief spotted the column of smoke.
He says people should call 911 immediately, and not to assume they're seeing a controlled burn.
