Firefighters Knock Down 2-Acre RPV Brush Fire

Firefighters brought a two-acre brush fire near Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes under control with no property damage or injuries Thursday afternoon, according to Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Luke Claus.

About 150 firefighters initially responded to the two-alarm brush fire near the intersection of Palos Verdes Drive South and Terranea Way. Construction workers cutting metal rebar sent sparks into the dry grass at about noon, causing the blaze, Claus said.

The fire burned up a hillside heading toward the Salvation Army campus and within 50 yards of a home on Albero Court; however, it was knocked down by firefighters within 45 minutes, authorities said. Claus said three helicopters were also called to the scene; only one was used to actually drop water on the fire. 

"When it started running up (the hill), they were worried about structure protection," Claus explained.

Palos Verdes Drive South was initially closed in both directions for more than two hours between Terranea Way and Seahill Drive, but authorities reopened the eastbound lanes to traffic at around 2:15 p.m. One westbound lane was later reopened as crews continued to mop up hot spots on the hillside.

Claus said that this year's wildfire season has arrived 30-45 days early. He said his department is expecting a busy summer.

"It has been very busy, and this is somewhat uncharacteristic this early in the season," Claus said of Thursday's blaze. "This is kind of what you would get in mid-June."