Farm Tractor Ignites 40-Acre Brush Fire

A farm tractor that was tilling soil sparked a blaze that scorched 40 acres of brush in the rolling hills three miles east of Wildwood Park on Friday.

Approximately 150 firefighters from Ventura County and the state Department of Forestry answered the 3:29 p.m. call at Hill Canyon and Santa Rosa roads, according to Christina Rodriguez, spokeswoman for the Ventura County Fire Department.

The fire was extinguished at 6 p.m. said Cindy Tinsley, another spokeswoman.

No injuries were reported and no structures were in danger, according to Rodriguez.

Fire officials determined that the blaze was accidental.

“The discs [attached to] the tractor possibly hit a rock and sparks ignited the grass,” said Joe Luna, spokesman for the county Fire Department. “A southeast wind just drove it up the hill.”

Luna said 10 county fire engines, several hand crews from the county and the state Department of Forestry, and two helicopters--each carrying 340 gallons of water--battled the blaze.

Two air tankers contracted by the forestry department also assisted, dropping fire retardant over the blaze.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department had three cruisers on the scene to cordon off the area, according to Deputy Sgt. Rod Thompson.

Traffic delays were minor, he said.