Folsom fire officials plan to take preventative wildfire action

A small fire in the Natoma Station area last weekend that destroyed a park bench highlighted the need to get a handle on dry, over-grown vegetation in the area, officials said. The Folsom Fire Department in partnership with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a vegetation clearing project in the Natoma Station pond areas behind Coventry Circle over the next several weeks. The Aug. 22 bench fire is an example of why this type of preventative work is needed, fire crews said. Upon receiving a 911 call from a resident who reported seeing smoke coming from the area, fire crews rushed to the scene and were able to quash the blaze before it spread to any nearby homes or structures. A city-owned park bench along the bike path was destroyed and about 0.15 acres of dry vegetation was burned. The incident though small drew attention to the amount of dry vegetation in the area. While Folsom officials are taking steps to reduce that fuel, Fire Department Public Information Officer Nick Lawlor said awareness in the community helps crews take fast action so that small events like the one in Natoma Station don't spread and become a more destructive fire. "Early notification makes all the difference in wildland and vegetation fire response," said Lawlor. "The vigilance of our community members who called 911 immediately allowed our crews to get on scene fast, keep this fire small, and protect neighborhood properties. We deeply appreciate the public's quick action in reporting smoke right away." During the upcoming fire fuel clean-up, the community can expect to see Folsom Fire personnel and/or contractors in the area near Coventry Circle. Crews will be doing work such as mowing and removing dry weeds and grass and overgrown vegetation. The work is expected to last several weeks and will take place 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. with variance depending on schedules, weather or other factors. The cause of last weekend's fire is under routine investigation but Folsom Fire officials say this is an example of how the community can make a difference by staying vigilant during dry conditions; if you see smoke or fire, immediately call 911.