Bird Electrocuted on High-Power Line Sparks 2-Acre Blaze

A bird flew into a high-power line Friday, was electrocuted and touched off a two-acre brush fire, authorities said.

As it fell, the flaming bird ignited the parched brush, sparking a slow-spreading fire that was quickly contained by 12 engine companies, a water-dropping helicopter, a water tender, a fire crew and numerous support personnel, said Capt. Scott Brown of the Orange County Fire Authority.

“The fire never threatened property, and the wind was not a factor,” Brown said.

Firefighters responded at 12:07 p.m. and had the fire fully contained by 1 p.m., Brown said.

Noting the hot weather and the abundance of dry, brittle vegetation throughout much of the county, Brown said “Fire conditions will remain extremely hazardous through the weekend.”