Large fire erupts at Occidental Arts and Ecology Center

A large fire erupted at the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center on Tuesday night.

Multiple callers reported seeing a fire and hearing explosions near the center about 8:49 p.m., according to a Redcom dispatcher. The center, an 80-acre research and education facility on Coleman Valley Road west of Occidental, develops strategies for the restoration of biological and cultural diversity.

Flames engulfed a barn, vehicle, outbuilding and some surrounding wildland, the dispatcher said. Firefighters from multiple agencies knocked down the barn fire by 9:45 p.m., and contained the wildland blaze to about one eighth of an acre about 15 minutes later.

All three stories of the barn were engulfed in flames, and the fire even went through the roof, the dispatcher said. There were no animals inside, though.

An ambulance was sent to the area just in case, but Redcom didn't receive reports of any injuries, the dispatcher said.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, the dispatcher said.

Mary Szecsey, who lives to the west of the center, saw a bright glow in the sky and some black smoke when the fire started.

“We were concerned because we didn't know where it was and it was close to our property, so it was scary,” said Szecsey, who recently retired as the executive director of the West County Health Centers. “We're glad that everyone is OK.”

Staff Writer Guy Kovner contributed to this report. You can reach Staff Writer Chantelle Lee at 707-521-5337 or chantelle.lee@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ChantelleHLee.