A vegetation fire in heavy brush and grass on Thursday afternoon, July 10, saw Escalon firefighters responding to the scene in the 24000 block of River Road. Eventually, multiple departments assisted Escalon fire crews at the scene.

The fire, at 12:45 p.m., was reported at the McHenry Recreation Area, said Escalon fire officials, with two acres initially involved. Responding crews indicated the fire had a “moderate rate of spread” and additional units were called in.

Escalon sent Brush 1-1, Water Tender 1-1 and Engine 1-4 to the scene, said Escalon Fire Chief Rick Mello, who also was on scene.

Mello said additional support was provided by Farmington Engine 4-2, Ripon Battalion 2-2, Montezuma Water Tender 18-1, Manteca Brush 245, OES 4618, Modesto Engine 6, Modesto Water Tender 6, Modesto Brush 3.

San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department personnel were called in to evacuate the park, Mello said.

Also responding to assist were OES 4601, OES 4606, French Camp Chief 11-2, Lathrop Manteca Chief 31, Modesto Battalion Chief 1.

The San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services drone was utilized as well to help determine the spread of the fire and containment efforts. Escalon officials said the fire burned an estimated six acres in total. Crews were on scene for roughly four hours for the initial attack and mop up.