FAIRFIELD, Calif. — 11 p.m. update:
A fire that sparked near Highway 12 in Fairfield has been extinguished.
Fire officials say no buildings were threatened and no injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire has not been released.
A portion of eastbound Highway 12 was closed during the fire. The roadway has since reopened.
Original Story:
A portion of eastbound Highway 12 is closed while crews are battling a vegetation fire near the highway and Beck Avenue.
According to a tweet from the Fairfield Fire Department, drivers are asked to avoid the area. The cause of the fire and size have not been released.
The Fairfield Fire Department says forward progress has stopped and crews are now mopping up.
WILDFIRE PREPS
According to Cal Fire, 2020 was one of the most severe fire seasons on record as 9,917 wildfires burned 4.2 million acres. Over 9,000 structures were destroyed, and 31 people (civilians and firefighters) were killed.
California also experienced its first "Gigafire" because of the August Complex Fire, burning over 1 million acres by itself. Four of California's top five largest wildfires in state history happened in 2020.
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and know your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.
Some counties use Nixle alerts to update residents on severe weather, wildfires, and other news. To sign up, visit www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving alerts.
PG&E customers can also subscribe to alerts via text, email, or phone call. If you're a PG&E customer, visit the Profile & Alerts section of your account to register.
