UPDATE: Fire behind businesses on Hartnell Ave was human-caused

A fire that burned just over 1 acre of brush and grass Wednesday afternoon off Hartnell Avenue was human-caused, a Redding Fire Department investigator said.

"At this time, a preliminary investigation revealed the fire is human-caused, yet further information is forthcoming," fire officials said.

The first call on the fire came shortly before 4 p.m. Wednesday. Firefighters had the flames contained within 10 minutes, the fire department said.

The fire was just over 1 acre and burned up a slope behind the Showboat Lounge at 105 Hartnell Ave., just south of Cypress Avenue. The hill behind a row of retail stores was scorched and a utility pole also caught fire.

"No damage to nearby structures was observed. No injuries were reported in the incident," fire officials said.

At one point, crews were assessing whether to evacuate residents from the River Commons Senior Living center on Hartnell Avenue, but they were able to stop the forward progress in time and evacuation plans were canceled.

The fire department had called for a "second alarm" on the fire, which means all available fire personnel were called to the blaze.

"Due to the commercial businesses in the area, and the weather conditions at scene, a second alarm of additional resources was requested," fire officials said.

Damon Arthur is the Record Searchlight’s resources and environment reporter. He is part of a team of journalists who investigate wrongdoing and find the unheard voices to tell the stories of the North State. He welcomes story tips at 530-338-8834 by email at damon.arthur@redding.com and on Twitter at @damonarthur_RS. Help local journalism thrive by subscribing today!

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Crews stop fire off Hartnell near Cypress Avenue in Redding