Bernardo Fire Cause: Accidental. Details from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department: The Metro Arson Strike Team (MAST) conducted an extensive investigation into the cause of the Bernardo Fire. MAST members interviewed witnesses who directed investigators to the precise area where the fire started, commonly known as the “Area of Origin.” The fire occurred at a construction site. A survey crew was testing the soil by digging a series of small trenches. The trenches were being dug by a backhoe operator. After digging and then covering one of the trenches, the crew started moving to the next excavation location. As they were walking away they noticed smoke and flames in the area they had previously excavated. The backhoe operator and the rest of the crew attempted to extinguish the flames, but were unsuccessful. The fire spread rapidly throughout the dry brush. The backhoe operator and witnesses were forced to flee for their own safety. Based upon witness statements and physical evidence, MAST concludes that the Bernardo Fire was accidentally started by the backhoe during excavation.
Posted on: Fri, 16 May 2014 19:52:03 +0000
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