A grass fire that scortched about 50 acres of open space east of Dougherty Road in San Ramon on Thursday evening has been contained, San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District Chief Richard Price said.
San Ramon Valley Fire was first alerted to the blaze near Verbena Way at about 5:15 p.m. The fire, which fire officials believe started behind the homes on Verbena, was threatening a number of homes.
A dozen engines, two air crafts and a helicopter responded to the fire. It was contained at about 6:15 p.m. with no homes damaged.
Chief Price said the department has a perimeter around the entire fire and it is expected to be controlled by 10 p.m.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
With the Fourth of July holiday coming up next week, Price said that he is urging residents to clear brush from behind their homes to protect against vegetation fires.
He said that defensible space behind homes can make a big difference in protecting from fires. He also said that residents should not be using fireworks, and that they are illegal throughout Contra Costa County.
"It's hot, dry, windy, not conditions where we want fireworks," Price said.
It was the second grass fire in the area this week. On Monday, near the south Bollinger Canyon and Dougherty Road intersection.
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-Bay City News Service contributed to this report.
