SOLANO COUNTY, Calif. —
In Solano County, the impact of the strong winds proved to be dangerous when the Hay Fire sparked in Dixon Friday.
Fire crews from multiple agencies rushed to contain the grass fire off of Hay Road, east of Vacaville.
Few people live in the area, but those who do said they feel nervous every time they see a fire start up.
Ellen Cooper, who lives with her grandmother and nephew in Solano County, grew concerned about the dry grass and high winds pushing the Hay Fire onto her ranch.
"Well, I live just behind us on this street, and I was at work, and we had a fire the other day so someone called me and said that there was another fire out here,” Cooper said. “So, I was just driving out to check and make sure it wasn't blowing towards my property."
Fields of livestock were surrounded by plumes of smoke as fire crews on the ground and by air worked to contain the fire.
In the area was Matthew Bidou, a ranch manager with California Forever, who said he was hanging tight until crews got everything under control.
“Where I can go in and see if there's anybody that needs assistance and not just the people that are renting back or leasing from California forever but anybody that we can help, we're going to be there for them."
About 10 miles from the Hay Fire, the high winds forced PG&E to shut down power lines to thousands of people in Vacaville. Many people have been without power since Thursday.
Paul Fernandez is a former fire captain and has seen the havoc fires can cause. He said he understands why the power shut offs needed to happen.
“Well for me personally, we have about five acres so I cut all our grass,” Fernandez said. “I clean up our area. We have a lot of trees. In that sense, I’m prepared, but when you when you have fire weather, it can come pretty fast. You just got to prepare yourself.”
Fernandez’s neighbor up the road agrees the shutoffs are for the best after having to evacuate his home for other fires.
"It's pretty scary. What was it, three or four years ago we had the big fires out in Gibson Canyon and we were evacuated, my daughter was evacuated. My grandson was evacuated,” Mike Junes said. “You know, you get nervous because you have to leave everything behind. You can't take everything with you when you go."
WILDFIRE PREPS
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, and 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 knowing 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.
What questions do you have about the latest wildfires? If you're impacted by the wildfires, what would you like to know? Text the ABC10 team at (916) 321-3310.
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