Fire Department Controls Blaze Threatening Homes Behind High School

A grass fire spanning almost five acres burned the hillside behind Hercules High School this afternoon, threatening eight homes along Falcon Way and Wren Court.

The fire began about noon, with Rodeo Hercules Fire Department on scene at 12:06 p.m. A total of six fire trucks responded, including the Pinole, Contra Costa and Crockett-Carquinez Fire Departments.

"It was a relatively large fire," said Rodeo Hercules Fire Department Battalion Chief Brian Lowry. "It burned very quickly up to the top of the hill."

There were no injuries and no damage to the surrounding properties. However, the fire did burn 4.75 acres of vegetation and spread into back yards. Residents were forced to tackle the flames with garden hoses, according to Hercules resident John Loudermilk, who witnessed the fire. 

"It was burning pretty good," said Loudermilk. 

The cause of the fire is unknown, although the point of origin was discovered to have been inside school grounds behind the football field, according to Lowry. An investigation is under way.

The Rodeo Hercules and Pinole Fire Departments remind all residents that fire season is here and property owners should maintain a defensible space around their homes. More information can be found at www.readyforwildfire.org/