Fire Consumes Part of Bernard Field Station

A fire broke out this afternoon (9/11/13) at the Bernard Field Station, consuming roughly 17 acres, and briefly threatening homes to the north of the BFS on Radcliffe. Fire engines, helicopters, and small aircraft dropped water and fire retardant on the area, eventually extinguishing the flames this afternoon. Unfortunately, not before much of the area of the station adjacent to Foothill Blvd had burned.

Although unconfirmed, several sources suggested that the origin of the fire was welding work being done on piping in the field station by the water company. Golden State Water Company currently serves the city of Claremont, although there is an effort underway by the city to assume responsibility for the municipal water supply.

Police closed Foothill Blvd to automobile traffic and pedestrians on the north side of the street for several hours as a combination of aerial and ground personnel battled the fire. By 5 o’clock this afternoon, the flames had been extinguished and crews were mopping up to make sure that no hot spots remained to be rekindled by afternoon breezes.

Thanks to a quick response by fire fighters, no structures were threatened by the fire, including the new R. Michael Shanahan Center for Teaching and Learning, which is immediately across Foothill Blvd. from the Bernard Field Station.

(2013-10-24) Update: The source of the fire was confirmed to be sparks from power tools used by Golden State Water Company. Thanks to Nancy Hamlett for links and corrections; see the article on the Bernard Field Station blog for more information.