Firefighters Make Speedy Work Of Wildomar Blaze

Many in the Wildomar community are commenting and thanking firefighters for their quick response to Monday’s wildland blaze that scorched approximately 16 acres west of the city.

The fire that broke out shortly after 5 p.m. was fully contained three hours later utilizing 163 firefighters from Cal Fire crews out of Riverside and San Diego counties, Corona Fire Department personnel, and firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service. Along with engine companies, two helicopters and four air tankers were also utilized to battle the blaze.

No homes or structures were lost, and there were no injuries caused by the fire.

Click here for the latest Wildomar fire updates and a gallery of dramatic blaze photos: http://lakeelsinore-wildomar.patch.com/groups/breaking-news/p/brush-fire-burning-west-of-wildomar

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department spokeswoman Jody Hagemann said her department’s response-time goal is to always be fast, but today’s blaze had many factors working in firefighters’ favor.

“We’re always prepared 24/7,” she said, but noted that other agencies were available and quickly routed to the fire, which helped augment local efforts.

“They were available and it was fast,” Hagemann said.

But weather was also a factor today. Hagemann said the afternoon breeze that typically blows out of the west was relatively calm Monday, noting that had Mother Nature not cooperated, the outcome may have been very different.

The blaze was sandwiched between Wildomar residences to the east and La Cresta to the west.

“If the wind had changed direction on us, it would have been more difficult. Everything seemed to be in our favor,” she reiterated.

All things aside, Hagemann said nothing helps thwart a fire from destroying a home like defensible space. Residents, particularly this dry season, need to keep vegetation at least 100 feet from structures, she said.

Proper clearance to 100 feet dramatically increases the chance of a house surviving a wildfire, according to Hagemann. This defensible space also provides for firefighters' safety when they move in close to protect homes.

“Our community loves our firefighters, but we need to help keep them safe too,” she said.

For more information on how to keep your home safe, visit the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department website at http://www.rvcfire.org.