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Public Safety

Cause of Willow Fire Determined

Cause of Willow Fire Determined
CAL FIRE investigators say last week’s Willow Fire near Jamul was started while Bureau of Prison employees were training at a shooting range.

CAL FIRE investigators say last week’s Willow Fire near Jamul was started while Bureau of Prison employees were training at a shooting range.

Investigators don’t yet know exactly what happened at the shooting range that started the fire. CAL FIRE Captain Nick Schuler says it was fast moving and heading toward a housing development.

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“The fire burned 65 acres, fortunately because of the fast response of firefighters, they were able to stop that fire at 65 acres,” he says.

About 300 firefighters responded to the blaze. One was hurt. But Schuler says he’s back at work. Several people living in the area were evacuated while the fire was contained. Schuler says homeowners need to clear brush from around their houses and make sure there’s a water source nearby to help protect them during fire season.

KPBS has created a public safety coverage policy to guide decisions on what stories we prioritize, as well as whose narratives we need to include to tell complete stories that best serve our audiences. This policy was shaped through months of training with the Poynter Institute and feedback from the community. You can read the full policy here.