Dave Seymour, the general manager of Rainbow Municipal Water District, has issued a statement that the small brush fire that started shortly before 9 a.m. this morning near East Mission and Ranger Roads was due to water line work being done by his agency.

"One of our work crews inadvertently started the fire while working on a pipeline," said Seymour. "The crew was fixing a water line and the bolts were badly corroded and needed to be cut away with a torch. We had a "fire watch" standing by as a precaution, but a spark from the torch flew farther than they expected and started a small brush fire. The water in the area was shut off because of the repair so the crew attempted to put the fire out with shovels. They quickly realized they were fighting a losing battle and called [the fire department] who responded right away and extinguished the fire.

Firefighters contained the blaze to one acre, said John Buchanan, public information officer for North County Fire, who added that no structures were damaged in the fire.

"The fire was in an old grove with dry brush," said Buchanan. "It was an area that was burned in the 2007 Rice Fire."

Seymour said one of Rainbow Water's workers was "transported to Fallbrook Hospital for observation after suffering from smoke inhalation" at the scene.

Smoke was visible from Interstate 15, the California Highway Patrol reported.

While North County Fire is investigating the cause of the blaze, Seymour said his agency is conducting their own investigation and review of the situation.

"Our Safety Officer and Superintendent are investigating the incident to see what policies and work practices we need to revise to prevent a similar situation," he said.

Agencies that responded to the Advertisement

[ Shred and Go ] blaze include North County Fire, Cal Fire, Rainbow Volunteer Fire Dept., and Camp Pendleton Fire.

(earlier version of story, Aug. 24, 10:30 a.m.)

Fire mop-up underway at East Mission and Ranger Roads

Debbie Ramsey

Managing Editor

A fire that broke out shortly after 9 a.m. this morning near East Mission and Ranger Roads has been extinguished and is currently in the mop-up stage.

While an early report said the fire might have involved three acres, it has been confirmed that it was limited to one acre.

Fire authorities have not confirmed the cause of the fire, but bystanders said it may have been started by construction work going on in the area.

"The fire was in an old grove with dry brush," said John Buchanan, public information officer for North County Fire. "It was an area that was burned in the 2007 Rice Fire."

Buchanan said one individual had to be transported by ambulance to an area hospital for smoke inhalation. It is believed the person may have been involved in the work going on in the area.

No structures were damaged in the blaze.

Buchanan said the cause of the fire is under investigation and should be known soon.

Agencies that responded to the blaze include North County Fire, Cal Fire, Rainbow Volunteer Fire Dept., and Camp Pendleton Fire.

(earlier version of story, Aug. 24, 2010, 9:30 a.m.)

Fire reported at East Mission and Ranger Roads

Debbie Ramsey

Managing Editor

North County Fire Protection District has confirmed a fire has begun in the vicinity of East Mission and Ranger Roads, not far from the Dept. of Forestry station.

Units are responding.

John Buchanan, public information officer for North County Fire said the fire has already consumed three acres and more updates will be provided as available.

Watch this website for more information.