Fairmount Incident
Incident Name: Fairmount Incident
Date Reported: 02/18/2021
Time Reported: 0732 Hours
Incident Location: 2601 Fairmount Park, Riverside, CA 92501
Ward #: Ward 1 Edwards
Type of Incident: Tree Fires with Outbuildings On Fire
Incident Number: RIV #21-005436
Control Time: 2/18/2021 at 1030 Hours
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Resources Assigned
Chief Officer(s): 1
Engine Companies: 5
Truck Companies: 2
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Ambulance(s):
Firefighter(s): 22
Safety Officer(s):
Public Information Officer(s):
Fire Investigator(s): 2
Overhead Personnel: 1
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EOC: 1
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Current Situation
On February 18, 2021 at 7:31 a.m., The City of Riverside Fire Department responded a tree fire response to a report of a tree fire at Fairmount Park located at 2601 Fairmount Blvd. Upon arrival firefighters discovered a homeless camp burning below a group of Palm trees adjacent to the historic Boat House and the Boat House maintenance garage. The fire became established in the Palm trees due to the dead palm fronds and Santa Ana Wind condition. Santa Ana Winds led to ember casting which spread the fire to more Palm Trees that had dead palm fronds and to the roofs of the Boat House Maintenance Garage and boarded up closed Bathroom building. Firefighters were challenged with several long hose lays due to the inability of not being able to drive the fire apparatus to the Historic Boat House.
Firefighters quick actions stopped the spread of the fire on the two historic buildings and protected the Historic Boat House. About 20 trees were damaged. Park Maintenance Staff were on scene assisting the fire department with unlocking gates and opening buildings for firefighters to check for extension of the fire. The cause of the fire was a homeless cam fire after investigation by Arson Investigators. There were no witnesses and no subjects to interview.
A total of 22 firefighters, four overhead personnel and one Chief Officer responded to the incident. There were no firefighter or civilian injuries.
Assisting Aid Agencies
Incident Commander: Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst
Prepared By: Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst
Date / Time Posted: 02/18/2021 0809
Information Center: 951.237.6310
