Crime & Safety

Mt. Diablo State Park Reopens to Visitors Following Fire

Park visitors are advised to be cautious about activities that could spark a fire.

By Bay City News Service

Mount Diablo State Park has reopened to visitors Monday after firefighters contained a blaze that charred more than 3,000 acres in the past week.

The Morgan Fire, which started Sept. 8 around 1 p.m. off of Morgan Territory Road southeast of Clayton, was contained at 3,111 acres Sunday afternoon, Cal Fire officials said.

The blaze had spread into the park and prompted its closure. About 75 homes were evacuated. Residents were able to return home Tuesday evening.

On Monday the park and nearby roads were open with all trails accessible, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Brandon Leitzke said.

"You might run across some equipment and crews here and there," he said.

About 100 crewmembers were still in the area Monday. There will be even less Tuesday, he said.

More than 1,370 fire personnel from more than a dozen agencies responded during the course of the fire.

Crews were cleaning up debris from the blaze and working on rehabilitation efforts for the scorched land.

The fire burned for a week as it was fueled by dry vegetation, windy conditions, low humidity and warm temperatures. According to Cal Fire officials, it was sparked by people target shooting.

Park visitors are advised to be cautious about activities that could spark a fire.

Copyright © 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.


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