At approximately 16:15, on Monday June 10. The Paso Robles Department of Emergency Services was dispatched to the area of Niblick Bridge for a vegetation fire in the riverbed.
The first fire engine arrived at scene within approximately five minutes. The initial crew reported less than a quarter acre of grass burning in the riverbed, wind driven and moving at a moderate rate of spread.
Niblick Road between Spring Street and South River Road were closed for approximately one hour due to poor visibility from the smoke. High winds caused the fire to progress and spot across Niblick Bridge.
Two fire engines, one squad and two Battalion Chief’s from Paso Robles responded. Under the City’s automatic and mutual aid agreements, four fire engines and two Battalion Chief’s from CAL FIRE/SLO County, one engine from Camp Roberts Fire, one engine from San Miguel Fire, one engine from Templeton Fire and one engine from Atascadero Fire immediately responded. A total of 32 firefighters were required to bring the situation under control. Additional assistance was provided by Cal Fire Air Attack and the Paso Robles Police Department.
The fire was contained at approximately 17:15. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services reminds everyone to be cautious throughout fire season. The recent hot weather and abundance of annual grasses (weeds), from a wet winter and spring has increased fire activity significantly in SLO County the since the beginning of June.