Fire believed to have been sparked by a passing train ignited in several spots along the tracks running parallel to Patterson Road and Highway 108 between Oakdale and Riverbank on Monday morning, July 17.

The first report of fire came around 10 a.m. from the area of Ash Avenue in Oakdale and firefighters said the small fires extended on a line along the railroad tracks westward to Langworth Road.

Multiple units from the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District responded in addition to fire investigators and mutual aid from other area departments, including an engine and personnel from the Escalon Fire Department.

At one location, west of Crane Road across from the City of Oakdale dog park, passersby assisted in wetting down a fence on property to help keep the fire from spreading to a nearby house.

The hot, dry conditions are providing plenty of fuel for fires, with officials anticipating a very busy fire season.

Look for additional information in the July 19 issue.