Brush fire becomes a close call for neighbors

CAMP VERDE - Camp Verde Fire crews rushed to a brush fire reported burning before noon Monday in Verde Lakes Estates. About one acre of grass and brush was burning on vacant land in a residential neighborhood. The grass and brush were mostly green and the light wind speed kept the fire from being a potential disaster for the surrounding homes.

The fire had ignited on the vacant land in a wash area below the homes. Wind pushed the fire through the grass and it quickly ran up the slope toward the houses.

With the help of U.S. Forest Service fire crews and unit, Camp Verde crews were on scene to suppress the fire and to mop up afterward. Homeowners used garden hoses to protect property as firefighters extinguished the fire.

The area where the fire occurred is one of the areas identified for Camp Verde Fire District's Firewise/Defensible space project. The heavy old fuels along the banks that back several properties, creates a serious fire threat to the neighboring properties, says Fire spokewoman Barbara Rice.

"It is important to keep your property clear of brush, grass and combustible debris to prevent the movement of fire."

The cause of the brush fire is not known.