Three-alarm grass fire burns 45 acres behind Cal Expo

Sacramento Fire Department crews extinguished a three-alarm grass fire on the American River Parkway south of Cal Expo that began Monday afternoon.

Eighty firefighters, including personnel from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District and the West Sacramento Fire Department, battled the blaze, which started at about 3:15 p.m., Sacramento Fire Department spokesman Chris Harvey said.

The fire, which burned about 45 acres, was contained at about 7 p.m. The area is known for frequent fires, which some blame on homeless campers in the area.

“It burns all summer long,” Harvey said. On Tuesday morning, firefighters were still on duty tending to hot spots.

Near the fire, Cal Expo RV Park guest Gary Stupp, from San Diego, said he didn’t feel pressured to leave because of the fire.

“I’ve seen a lot of equipment today,” he said. “I’m blown away. They’re doing their jobs.”

This story was originally published June 20, 2016 at 4:18 PM with the headline "Three-alarm grass fire burns 45 acres behind Cal Expo."