Grass fires, wind keep firefighters busy, including large blaze near Sacramento Railyards

Wind-driven grass fires kept firefighters busy Friday in the Sacramento area, including a three-alarm blaze that burned about 45 acres near the Railyards that pushed a haze of smoke across downtown.

The grass fire near the Railyards was first reported about 3:50 p.m. near North Seventh and North B streets. About 5:30 p.m, the Sacramento Fire Department announced firefighters had contained the grass fire.

The fire near the Railyards was started by mowing that was being done in the area, according to the Fire Department. Fire crews remained at the scene putting out smoldering spots.

The West Sacramento Fire Department was also occupied with three separate grass fires within a few hours of each other Friday afternoon, including two along the same street.

The fist grass fire was reported about 1:45 p.m. near Village Parkway and Locks Drive; the second blaze was reported shortly before 3:30 p.m. near Village Parkway and South River Road.

As firefighters gained control of the the first two West Sacramento fires, crews were diverted to the third grass fire reported about 5:45 p.m. near Jefferson Boulevard and Burrows Avenue. All three grass fires were contained.

About noon in Rio Linda, firefighters rushed to stop a 5-acre grass fire from reaching nearby homes and livestock in the 7200 block of Dry Creek Road, according to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. Downed power lines created challenges for firefighters attacking the blaze.

The Rio Linda fire did destroy one outbuilding, Sacramento Metro Fire said. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remained under investigation.

Since 11 a.m. Thursday, a broad swath of the Central Valley from Redding to Modesto has been under a red flag warning for strong winds that can fuel a fire. The National Weather Service has issued the warning, which remains in effect through 8 p.m. Friday.