UPDATE: Cal Fire says Branstetter Fire started by illegal camp fire
A vegetation fire is burning in south Redding in the area of Branstetter Lane. The fire was reported around noon on Thursday, prompting the city's fire department to make a second-alarm call, which triggers all firefighting resources that are available to respond to the incident.
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Check back on this story for updates.
Update at 2:25 p.m.
The Branstetter Fire, which burned 34 acres in south Redding on Thursday, was caused when someone had an illegal campfire in the area, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Thursday's fire, allegedly caused by people illegally camping, was just the latest in a string of fires that officials say have been started by escaped camp fires.
The Redding Fire Department issued a press release Thursday morning noting that 10 fires were started this year in the area west of North Market Street hill were started by homeless people camping in that area.
Update at 1:35 p.m.
Forward progress on the Branstetter Fire in south Redding has reportedly been stopped and the blaze was last reported at 34 acres, according to emergency radio traffic.
Some air trankers working on the fire have been released from the blaze.
Update at 1:20 p.m.
The Branstetter Fire in south Redding has reached 25 acres, with numerous aircraft dropping fire retardant on the blaze. There are also numerous fire engines and hand crews also working on the fire, according to emergency radio traffic.
At about 1:15 p.m., the incident commander on the fire reported that the fire was "holding at 25 acres."
Update, 12:40 p.m.
Firefighters report that the fire is 10 to 12 acres.
They also are telling dispatchers that the fire has sparked multiple spot fires.
Original story, 12:17 p.m., Thursday
Crews are responding to a brush fire in south Redding.
Multiple reports have come in about a large column of smoke in the area of Cedars Road and Branstetter Lane.
Firefighters were dispatched around noon Thursday.
Crews have called for a second alarm, which means all available firefighting resources in the city are responding to the blaze.
The first firefighters arriving report two spot fires in the area. The main fire is burning at Glory Street and Jubilee Street, west of Cedars Road.
Aircraft also has been launched to help fight the blaze.
Check back for updates.
David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. He’s part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: UPDATE: Cal Fire says Branstetter Fire started by illegal camp fire
