CLEMENTS, Calif. — San Joaquin County fire crews continue to work on increasing containment of the Liberty Fire Friday night.
The fire burned 104 acres near Clements in San Joaquin County and is now 25% contained, according to Cal Fire. It started in the area of east Liberty and north Mackville roads around 2:30 p.m. Friday and prompted evacuations.
Three homes and “multiple” out buildings were lost before firefighters got to the scene, according to Cal Fire.
While Evacuation Orders have been lifted, some homeowners in the area are left wrecked by the blaze.
“This is going to be quite devastating. I mean, we have lost a lot around here now,” said Sterling Sawyer, homeowner who lost their home in the Liberty Fire.
His home was one of a few fire crews weren’t able to save while battling the blaze.
“Thankfully, my son and his wife and our two small grandchildren realized what was going on and they got them out just as the propane tank back there vented and shot off like a 150-foot flare in the sky,” said Sawyer.
He’s lived here for 35 years, losing memories, memorabilia and tokens, personal projects all in an instant.
“What wasn't in there was in the transportation or because I thought that would be, you know, a safe storage and it went up so everything was lost that way,” said Sawyer.
Cal Fire Battalion Chief Stevie Long says the fire was wind driven and fueled by grass.
“The major challenge was getting engines, in getting people out and then starting to put this fire out,” she said.
Firefighters are still investigating what caused the fire.
“Air resources were a huge factor. They were able to get out in front of the head of the fire and get a retardant line down to slow it,” said Long.
With triple digits back in the forecast and fire danger in full swing, Cal Fire encourages people to be careful with outdoor activities.
“Make sure that you're doing your work in the morning so you're not actually the one that starts the fire,” said Long.
A few firefighters suffered “heat related injuries” and were treated and released.
“We're just thankful that everybody got out, okay, everybody's alive and well,” said Sawyer.
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