Two fires started in Happy Valley Sunday in hazardous windy conditions. The “Saddle Fire” was reported around Noon in grass and Oak woodland south of Hawthorne Avenue. A number of evacuations were ordered before the fire was contained at 3 acres. The north wind picked up a lot of embers and created spot fires, one of which may have become the “Blue Fire”, which started about 3 miles to the south off Blue Horse Road. Several zones were evacuated as the fire spread rapidly. A line was made around the perimeter within a couple of hours and the fire was at 40 acres Monday morning with 25% containment. Ground crews and night flying helicopters continued to work overnight.
-Steve Gibson