Solano Co. Fire That Burned 380 Acres Caused By Farming Equipment

SOLANO COUNTY, CA — The brush fire that burned 380 acres in Solano County Wednesday was caused by a malfunction in a piece of farming equipment, Montezuma Fire Protection District Chief Michael O'Connor told Bay City News.

The blaze, which authorities called the Montezuma Fire, broke out around 3:30 p.m. and burned for several hours on both sides of Highway 12, near the intersection of Highway 113. It began in a field of safflower and spread to a nearby grass field for cattle.

Fire crews had to assemble 150 personnel and 16 engines to fight the fire before it was contained around 7:30 p.m. Firefighters stayed at the scene until around 11 p.m., and no structures in the area burned.

Strong winds between 35 and 55 miles per hour were present nearby, although the area of the fire wasn't within one of PG&E's power shutoff zones.

Fire burning at the base of the windmills. Highways 113 & 12. Solano County. Fire jumped Highway 12. pic.twitter.com/4UrIywukuK
— Dennis Shanahan (@dennis_shanahan) October 9, 2019

The #113Fire pic.twitter.com/Ekkfnf7kFU
— Dennis Shanahan (@dennis_shanahan) October 9, 2019

BRUSH FIRE: Just as the winds are picking up amid a dangerous #RedFlagWarning a fire has started in Solano County. At least 50 acres have burned so near Hwy 12 & Hwy 113. Doesn't look like many homes/buildings in this area. #MontezumaFire pic.twitter.com/Gg8ev6M4MS

This fire off Highway 12 in Solano County threatened a natural gas scrubbing facility. Flames are now largely extinguished. pic.twitter.com/AVgNvbFRlP

— Dennis Shanahan (@dennis_shanahan) October 10, 2019

Bay City News contributed to this report.