Susanville Fire Department issued the following press release. At
about 10:08 a.m. Saturday, July 5, Engine 621 from the SFD was dispatched to a reported debris fire under the baseball grandstands at Memorial Park. Engine 621 arrived on scene to find light white smoke in the air with no noticeable fire.
As the crew began pulling a hose, a rapid acceleration occurred with visible fire showing, which was about 10 foot by 10′ foot in size and 6′ in height. The engine captain immediately requested a full response for more resources.
The fire rapidly expanded in just minutes to fully engulf the wood structure, causing heat and fire damage to the field’s light poles, LMUD power poles and lines near the grandstands. The intense heat melted parts of the new park restrooms and emergency lighting fixtures on Engine 621.
Engines from the Susanville Fire Department, CalFire, (U.S.) Forest Service and Susan River Fire Protection District arrived to assist and prevent the fire from making further progress into the concession stand and dugouts.
The fire’s cause and origin are currently under investigation by CalFire Law Enforcement with the assistance of the Susanville Police Department. We are asking residents in the area to please review home security footage from July 5. If you observe someone or something suspicious at the time of the fire, please provide a copy of the footage to the Susanville Police Department. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer KC Capron at (530) 257-5603.
There were no injuries reported to fire crews or the public.
The SFD thanks all the agencies that responded to assist with controlling the fire and coaches from the Lassen Community College baseball team, the Lassen Municipal Utility District, the city of Susanville public works and city hall administration also responded to assist.
