Lightning strike ignites vegetation fire near Castroville, Castroville CA

Wildfire

Reported: 11/12/2025 08:37 PM

Near Monte Del Lago, Castroville, CA 95012

Lightning struck a power pole near Castroville Boulevard and Highway 156, causing sparks that ignited a grass fire about 30 to 40 yards wide. Fire crews responded and requested PG&E due to downed power lines. The westbound lane was partially blocked for safety.

Audio|Source: Monterey County Fire Dispatch - Command 31

02:20

Transcript:

00:00

North County Station 1, hazardous condition sparks from a light pole, Highway 156 and Castroville Boulevard.

00:25

Engine 5211.

00:26

I copy our route.

00:27

Originally reported as a hazardous condition on Highway 156 in Castroville Boulevard.

00:31

Our unit saw lightning hit a pole twice and sparks coming from the pole.

00:36

No flame seen.

00:38

I have another reporting party saying the sparks are causing a vegetation fire.

00:44

Did you want me to upgrade it?

00:46

Uh,

00:48

that negative fire town.

00:49

Just a better location.

00:52

It just said Highway 156 at Castroville Boulevard is what I have.

00:56

And can you acknowledge my hazard, please?

01:00

Engine 5211, we acknowledge life hazard.

01:03

Turn 4. They said between Castroville Boulevard and Monte Del Lago.

01:09

And it's 30 to 40 yards wide, the grass is on fire on the road.

01:20

By engine 5211 cut.

01:22

All right, Conventure 5221.

01:27

Go ahead.

01:32

I have a visual on it.

01:33

It's going to be westbound 156 just past Monte Del Lago.

01:38

We're turning around to get back to it.

01:40

Requesting PG&E, it looks like wires were down for at least two poles.

01:45

And we did have some fire.

01:51

Copy Weston Highway 156 near Monte Del Lago, PG&E and wires down.

01:55

And wires down.

02:01

Moray, the time 4617 will be available, use tone 5 pollster.

02:10

So 5211-11, we're at scene.

02:12

If you can also advise CHP we'll be blocking partially the westbound lane 156 here.

Disclaimer:
This transcript was automatically generated and may contain inaccuracies. Please verify the information independently.

Location mentioned:

Near Monte Del Lago, Castroville, CA 95012

This shows a Google Street View of the area near the location, which might not be the exact address.

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