September 23, 2008

For more information contact:

Stephanie Smith, Public Information Officer

City of Murrieta

951-304-3473

951-691-9051 cellular

UPDATE - Murrieta Fire Department on Scene to Multiple Vegetation Fires

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 1725 hours

City of Murrieta – The Murrieta Fire Department responded to a total of six vegetation fires within the last 24 hours, four of them during the afternoon hours on Tuesday, September 23^rd.     The Jackson Fire, in the vicinity of Jackson Street and Marco Polo Street, was contained at 10 acres in moderate vegetation.  Structures were briefly threatened however sustained no damage.  The fire is out and firefighters remain on scene conducting mop up.

The Guava Fire, in De Luz Canyon, consists of two ¼ acre fires approximately 300 yards apart.  The Guava Fire was contained in approximately 45 minutes.  A wood fence suffered minor damage.   A small spot fire in the nearby vicinity of Hayes and Guava was reported yesterday and quickly contained.

Eighteen Murrieta Firefighters along with several CAL-Fire Engines responded to these incidents.  Murrieta Fire Chief Paul Christman announced the fires are being investigated as arson, however no suspect has been named and no arrests have been made. Division Chief Gary Whisenand is overseeing the investigation which is being conducted jointly by Murrieta Fire Department and CAL-Fire. 

Three firefighters suffered bee stings on the Jackson Incident and were treated and released in the field. Updates will be provided as additional information becomes available. 

A brief summary of the fires is as follows:

Sugarberry 1 – Monday , September 22^nd, 1315 hours (1:15 p.m.)

De Luz – Monday, September 22^nd, 1647 hours (4:47 p.m.)

Sugarberry 2 – Tuesday, September 23^rd, 1417 hours (2:17 p.m.)

Guava Fires – Tuesday, September 23^rd, 1440 hours (2:40 p.m.)

Jackson Fire – Tuesday, September 23^rd,  1535 hours (3:35 p.m.)

If you have any information on any of these fires, please contact the Murrieta Fire Department at (951) 304-FIRE (3473) during normal business hours.