Crews knock down brush fire at Mendota Wildlife Refuge
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A large brush fire kept crews busy in Fresno County on Saturday.
The blaze started around noon at the Mendota Wildlife Refuge located between Mendota and Tranquility. The area is popular for fishing and duck hunting.
Cal Fire officials say the flames burned about 75 acres. Roads in the area are not meant for public access, so that presented a challenge for firefighters trying to get to the scene. Dry conditions were also a factor.
"During the winter, this area is usually flooded. During the summer, it's usually left dry and also with the drought conditions this year it's extremely dry out here with the fuels," said Cal Fire Battalion Chief Matt Dunham.
Crews contained the fire by 3 p.m., partly by using fire to create control lines. They were planning to stay at the scene for several hours to mop up hot spots.
No structures were lost, and no one was injured. There is no word yet on how the fire started.
