1 hospitalized due to vegetation fire in Fresno County, officials say

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- A dark plume of thick smoke was visible from miles away Tuesday afternoon.

Fresno County CAL FIRE says it started at a home just outside of Clovis City limits on Marjan Avenue.

A mower hit a rock, causing a spark that led to these flames that grew to five acres.

Fire officials say it's unclear why, but the man who lives inside the home went back inside. When they found him, he was rushed to the hospital with burn injuries.

"Once we give the evacuation warning, we work with the sheriff's department or the law enforcement community," says chief Dustin Hail. "We will protect their house and we will protect their belongings. They just have to know and trust that we are here to help them. If they need something, we will do everything we can to go in. If it's something special, we will do everything we can to try and save it for them."

The home is a total loss, along with several other structures around it, and multiple vehicles.

Chief Hail says the fire moved quickly because of three feet of dry brush around the property.

"So if we were able to have that fire disced or weed ate, it would have made a tremendous difference," he said.