Rio Vista firefighters rescue parrot during grass blaze
(Photo courtesy Rio Vista Fire Department; Graphic by Solano NewsNet)
Firefighters in Rio Vista helped rescue a pet parrot from a burning structure during a grass fire on Tuesday.
The fire broke out along Highway 160 near the Rio Vista Bridge on the Sacramento County side of the region.
A responding fire crew from the Rio Vista Fire Department activated a first alarm response after witnessing several eucalyptus trees on fire and noting the fire’s rapid spread due to heavy wind.
The fire eventually reached an old farmhouse, causing significant structural damage to one side of the building.
No one was home at the time of the blaze. A search of the interior of the home turned up a pet parrot, who was quickly removed by firefighters from the smoky conditions inside.
Four people were displaced by the fire, including a child, according to dispatches reviewed by Solano NewsNet. The fire department requested a team from the American Red Cross to provide lodging and other accommodations for the displaced residents.
The fire broke out toward the end of a Red Flag Warning period that was issued by forecasters over the weekend. Meteorologists warned any fires that started during the warning period had the potential to spread quickly in speed and size.
“We are observing profound fire conditions earlier in the year than previous seasons,” a Rio Vista Fire Department spokesperson wrote in a statement. “The fuel is exceptionally dry and when combined with these high wind events, fire can spread with a quickness. Please exercise extreme fire caution at all times.”
The Rio Vista Fire Department says it received assistance from the Isleton Fire Department and Montezuma Fire Protection District during Tuesday evening’s fire.
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