Fire on the Mountain – this is not a drill

South San Francisco, Ca   May 12, 2015

CalFire brought in their Huey from Alma Fire Attack, and finished mopping up with a few water drops Photo: Pete Geniella

A fire on San Bruno Mountain on Sunday May 10th quickly escalated to a 3 alarm event as gusty winds helped the fire spread quickly over 11 acres of dry brush. CalFire made short work by sending ina  full response which included a helicopter and 2 fixed wing planes in addition to dozers and a crew of 90 fire fighters. The Huey from Alma Fire Attack, and finished mopping up with a few water drops and crews remained on scene for a few hours to be sure all hot spots were extinguished.

Local neighbors immediately took to social media and shared photos on our Facebook page in real time as they remembered some of our past fires on the mountain. Cable and power were lost for a short time in the afternoon and early evening. Thank you to all the neighbors who sent in photos to our Facebook, including Pete Geniella, who’s photos are shared here.

Saturday CalFire crews had held a drill on the Mountain at Quarry Park, an event which was hosted by Quarry Park and San Bruno Mountain Park. A second drill is taking place Tuesday which will include wildland hoselay and brush cutting of invasive species.

Overhead help is needed to hit the deep ravines
Photo: Pete Geniella

SSFPD closed surface streets in the area
Photo; Pete Geniella

The fire was contained to an 11 acre area
Photo: Pete Geniella

CalFire laying hose as they did during the training exercise the day before
Photo: Pete Geniella

Training Tuesday May 12: Rescue equipment is coming out of the chopper. Underneath the chopper is a white tank that holds 360 gallons of water.
Photo: City of Brisbane

CalFire crews training stage at the Mission Blue Field in Brisbane Tuesday May 11, 2015
Photo: City of Brisbane