July 4th Fireworks Cause Dangerous Fire That Threatened Bonita Highlands
- Susan Heavilin
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
I was out checking on my animals (because they are all terrified of fireworks) around 9:30pm when I noticed the hill on fire. I could see the flames from my home but the night was eerily quiet . . . no sirens.
I called 911 right away and had to wait a little over two minutes. During the wait, I heard the first of many sirens. I stayed on the line just in case the sirens were for something else.
The dispatcher answered and verified that they were aware of the fire and that helicopter circling above my head was with the fire department and was closely monitoring the situation.
I later learned that Sunnyside neighbors had been trying to get through to dispatch and were not able. They were also gathered on San Miguel Road helping the firefighters by directing the firetrucks in using flashlights to show the easement road entrance.
The property that was on fire is located south of San Miguel Road, halfway between Proctor Valley Road and Loma Del Sol Drive (Conduit Road).
The fire occurred in the open, green space area between San Miguel Road and Wild Oats Lane | Photo by Google | Click on image to enlarge
The property can only be accessed by heading up from the northern side along the easement road off of the main San Miguel Road or by coming from the southern end using Wild Oats Lane.
People in the neighborhood reported that they saw the property owner, Josh Zoller, lighting fireworks and then watched the whole incident go down. Then witnesses saw Zoller on his skid-steer loader (Bobcat) attempting to put the fire out. That is probably why I saw flames disappear and then reappear again.
Zoller admitted to the Fire Department that he started it.
It was a rapidly spreading fire, gaining momentum up and down the entire hill.
Neighbors watched as a plethora of firefighters and engines arrived at the top of the property, accessing it by using Wild Oats Lane. At first, they were trying to figure out a plan to fight this blaze as they can only drive their fire engines so close to a fire. They headed down the hill with their hoses.
The people living in Bonita Highlands above the burning property were already wetting their yards down. Here is a view of the fire from one of the homes.
According to residents, there were about ten engines onsite and a couple stayed until almost midnight to confirm there were no hot spots left. A battalion chief allegedly mentioned that if they were to invoice Zoller for their services, the going rate would be $3000 per truck per hour. Get your calculator out for that one.
This is serious business. The out-of-control fire could have burned a large portion of Bonita Highlands before being 100% contained.
Photos and information provided by Bonita Highlands and San Miguel Road residents
Good article!!! Thank you