Makeshift Grill Started Suisun City Blaze

Press release from the City of Suisun City:

June 4, 2020

Arson investigators have determined the cause of this week’s fire new the Suisun Wildlife Center was a fire started in a makeshift grill in high vegetation near the center that got out of control on a hot and windy afternoon.

The fire broke out at 3:26 p.m. on June 3, 2020, behind the Wildlife Center at the southern terminus of Kellogg Street, and quickly became a direct threat to the Center and several houses along Maple Street and School Street.

The fire was quickly elevated to a 4th alarm requesting mutual aid from regional agencies. Fire and law enforcement personnel worked quickly to evacuate the endangered area as mutual aid resources from across the county and region responded to help battle the fire.

The Suisun City Fire Department and other assets on scene worked diligently to battle high temperatures in excess of 100 degrees and wind with gusts over 20 mph. The wind-driven fire was pushed towards the structures on Maple Street resulting in the complete destruction of three homes with many more sustaining damage. Initial damage estimates are near $2 million. The structures saved are estimated at more than $25 million.

Suisun Wildlife Center staff and firefighters attempted to save the animals housed within the center. Firefighters opened cages and released animals to allow them to safely exit the path of the fire. Most of the animals were able to escape, but two owls and some squirrels were lost in the fire. The Center sustained significant damage but the main structure was saved.

The Suisun City Arson Division worked with the Suisun City Police Department and the Solano County Fire Investigation Unit to determine the cause and origin of the fire – an illegal open burning conducted in high vegetation on the privately owned property behind the Suisun Wildlife Center. The fire originated from a makeshift grill constructed from two cinder blocks and metal grating sourced from local bee boxes.

The investigation is currently ongoing. Video footage is being collected and reviewed, possible suspects are being identified, witness interviews are being conducted, and additional evidence is being collected. At this point, the fire is deemed a reckless arson and is being pursued as such by the Suisun City Fire Department and Suisun City Police Department. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Fire Department (707) 421-7205 to speak to an investigator or call the Suisun City Police Department non-emergency line (707) 421-7373.

“This was a fast-growing, wind-driven fire that quickly overwhelmed our ability to contain it,” said Fire Chief Justin Vincent. “We were fortunate to have received mutual aid from a number of agencies throughout our region. Without the participation of these other agencies, the outcome of this fire would have been much worse. The Suisun City Fire Department would like to thank all of our mutual aid partners for their assistance in protecting life and property in Suisun City.”

This press release was produced by the City of Suisun City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.