Fire Breaks Out at Quartz Quarry, Escalates Into Large Brush Fire Near Senora Way
BLAINE COUNTY — A routine afternoon at the Davis Quartz mining facility turned into a hazardous emergency Wednesday after a fire broke out on-site and rapidly spread into the surrounding hillside brush, triggering a large-scale response from the Blaine County Fire Department and local emergency personnel.
The incident began just after 3:00 PM at the Davis Quartz Mine, located off 334 Senora Way in eastern Blaine County. Initial reports indicate that the fire may have originated near one of the active work zones within the quarry. While the exact cause remains under investigation, workers on-site noticed smoke and flames near operational equipment before the situation quickly escalated.
According to emergency officials, what began as a small on-site fire soon evolved into a fast-moving brush fire due to dry conditions, high winds, and the region’s less-than-ideal history with fire prevention infrastructure. Flames reportedly climbed the hillside adjacent to the quarry, fanned by gusts coming through the Senora National Park corridor, and threatened to spread further toward the sparsely populated outskirts of Harmony.
Ground crews were seen deploying retardant lines and creating fire breaks near the upper ridges, working into the evening to fully extinguish the blaze.
Mine operators reportedly shut down all quarry equipment and halted ongoing operations as a safety measure once the fire was discovered.
No injuries were reported among mine workers or emergency responders, though one firefighter was treated on-site for heat exhaustion. The brush fire scorched an estimated 11 to 13 acres of hillside vegetation, much of which had not seen rainfall in weeks, making it a ready fuel source
Environmental officials from the San Andreas Department of Natural Resources (SADNR) have begun assessing the aftermath, looking into potential environmental impacts, especially related to runoff and airborne particulates stirred up by both the fire and the suppression efforts. The department stopped short of declaring it a major incident but noted that “preventable industrial incidents becoming wildfires is a recurring theme that needs long-term attention.”
Locals in nearby Grapeseed and Harmony voiced a familiar mix of concern and resignation.
“Something catches fire out here at least once a month,” said Carl, a rancher who lives three miles north of the quarry. “It’s either some sparks from a machine, an old transformer blowing up, or someone ignoring the ‘No Burn’ order. I’m not shocked. But I am tired.”
Critics of the mining operation have previously called for updated fire safety standards especially considering the surrounding area's vulnerability to wildfire. However, as of this article’s publication, there is no word on whether any citations or formal reviews will be issued.
For now, Fire crews continue monitoring the area for hotspots as temperatures are expected to remain in the upper 90s throughout the week.
Residents are reminded that the county remains under a Stage 1 Fire Alert, prohibiting open burns and advising caution with any ignition sources near dry vegetation.
Weazel News will provide further updates as fire investigators release additional details, including the official cause and potential long-term effects.
