Environment

Diamond Bar Fire Started by Accident: Map, Photos and Video

by Amy Judd | November 3, 2009 at 04:24 pm

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Fire officials are saying that the Diamond Bar fire was most likely started by accident, by a malfunctioning catalytic converter on a truck that was located nearby some dry trees and shrubs. The wildfire threatened homes in the Diamond Bar area in California.

Photos

Water Dropping Helicopter - Diamond Bar Fire 11-03-2009

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uploaded by JsonStone

Diamond Bar Fire Map

Diamond Bar Fire Photos courtesy of ABC7

When a catalytic converter malfunctions it can spit out hot metal shavings and that is how fires can start.

The Diamond Bar Fire is about 85 percent contained tonight with about 50 acres currently on fire. However there is little fire activity at this time.

There have been no reports of structural damage and only a few minor injuries reported.

The 1,600 students at Diamond Ranch High School were safely sheltered in a gym as the fire swept by. They are now being dismissed.

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jefhow22

at 17:09 on November 4th, 2009

Catalytic converter's have started a great many car fires. Many times during the fall season we would be called out for automoble fires. The culprit? Leaves pile up under your car when parking and ignite the leaves from the heat transferred by the catalytic converter . The normal operating temperature can range up to 1,200 to 1,600 degrees F. If the temperature gets up around 2,000 degrees F or higher there is big trouble. If the converter cover is damaged the heat can also be transferred to the car interior igniting the rugs or even the seats.