VALLEJO FIRE - Urban Interface - Four-alarm grass fire raises suspicions of arson

Story at Times-Herald
By J.M. BROWN staff writer

A four-alarm grass fire ripped through upper Hanns Memorial Park on Monday, charring three acres and damaging roofs on two homes.

Seven of the city's eight engines responded to the 5:45 p.m. blaze, which started about halfway between the Skyline Drive and Oakwood Avenue entrances to the park.

The cause may have been arson, fire department spokesman Bill Tweedy said at the scene. The park is full of dry vegetation surrounding the Blue Rock Springs Creek, "but nothing down there would just automatically start a fire," he said. "Something has to ignite the dry brush."

Sparks from flames that engulfed trees on the east edge of the park jumped to the shake roof of a home in the 100 block of Creekside Drive, Tweedy said. Firefighters from the city's ladder truck doused six hot spots on the roof.

It took about 45 minutes to control the fire., Tweedy said.

Plumes of smoke could be seen from several miles away.

Robert Marasigan, whose roof was damaged, said he was using his computer when he heard what he thought was heavy wind coming from outside. "There was this hustle and bustle sound," said Marasigan, whose family has owned the house for 20 years.

When he looked out a window facing the park, he said, he saw flames
eating away at a nearby tree. After calling 9-1-1, he said, he returned to the window and saw the tree engulfed.

Marasigan said he stood outside as firefighters put out the flames on his roof and the roof of the house next door.

No injuries were reported.

Authorities ask anyone with information about the fire to call police at 648-4321 or the fire prevention division at 648-4565.