The Reporter - Matches, leaves mean fast flames

The Reporter - Matches, leaves mean fast flames: " del.icio.usDiggRedditYahooMyWebGoogleFacebookWhat's this? Matches, leaves mean fast flames By Brian Hamlin/Senior /Staff Writer Article Launched: 11/24/2007 07:29:25 AM PST Firefighter Wayne Hendershot douses hot spots behind a Greenwich Circle home. (Ryan Chalk/The Reporter) Children playing with matches are blamed for a fast-moving fire that erupted in a south Vacaville neighborhood Friday afternoon. Vacaville Fire Department Battalion Chief Rob Glankler said the blaze off the 100 block of Clayton Circle started shortly before 1 p.m., apparently by two boys who ignited dry leaves with matches. Fanned by gusting north winds, the leaves ignited nearby trees and spread to wood fencing along a walkway between 160 and 166 Clayton Circle as well as the rear yard of a home at 184 Greenwich Circle. By the time the first firefighters arrived on the scene, flames had spread to two sheds, a hot tub and backyard playground equipment. At the height of the blaze, 23 firefighters from Vacaville and the California Medical Facility were on the scene with seven pieces of equipment. They managed to control the flames within 25 minutes and kept the fire from spreading to residential structures. Damage is estimated at about $32,000. The two boys suspected of setting the fire, both believed to be about 12 years old, were nabbed by Vacaville police a short time later and will be referred to the Vacaville Fire Prevention Bureau for further action. Both were released to their parents, according to Glankler. Residents said the fire moved very quickly and they were gratified by the Fire Department's rapid response. "