MYLAR BALLOONS BELIEVED CAUSE OF JAMACHA FIRE
Balloons found on and under powerlines
Story & Photos by Josh Stotler
June 26, 2024 (Rancho San Diego) -- Many factors can cause a fire. As temperatures begin to climb and vegetation dries out, the risk of wildfire is all too real to rural San Diegans. A recent vegetation fire was reported along Jamacha Blvd. and Campo Rd. just outside Rancho San Diego on Wednesday, June 19.
The fire was dispatched as a small vegetation fire in medium to heavy fuels with a moderate rate of spread. San Miguel fire was first on scene and confirmed an active brush fire. Units from neighboring agencies including Cal Fire and air support from San Diego Sheriff's ASTREA and Romona Air Attack base were dispatched to the scene.
As ground crews battled the flames the investigative division of Cal-Fire was focusing on the cause of the fire.
A melted blue blob on the ground caught the attention of investigators. Directly above, another curious sight, a melted Mylar balloon clung to a high voltage power line. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is believed that these mylar balloons arcing on the power line are what started the fire that burned just under an acre.
Although it seems this fire was caused by accident, it was still preventable. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, power lines and “human causes” (electrical failures, campfires, debris burning, smoking and arson) are the top two causes of wildfires in California and are responsible for some of the most destructive fires in California history.
According to SDG&E's wbsite, metallic Mylar balloons have caused over 520 costly outages and 18 dangerous fire ignitions in the last five years.
As we head into another fire season here in San Diego, it’s up to each one of us to do our part to prevent fire before it starts. Make sure trees and debris are properly cleared from power lines, create a defensible space around your home and make sure trash like glass bottles, cigarettes and mylar balloons make their way to the proper receptacle.
Never release mylar balloons into the sky—since you don’t know where they may come down.
With a little vigilance and an ounce of prevention we can all help make San Diego a little bit safer.
Josh Stotler is a freelance photojournalist with over 15 years in the fire service as a firefighter with multiple local and international fire agencies.