Big rig blamed for series of blazes near freeway

SOUTH EL MONTE -- A series of three small fires -- possibly started by big rig's brakes -- scorched brush along the 60 Freeway near the Whittier Narrows Recreation area at about 1:30 p.m. Friday.
The largest of the three blazes, which burned as much as half an acre, ignited on north side of the freeway near Rosemead Avenue, Los Angeles County Fire Department Inspector Frederic Stowers said.
Two smaller fires were reported just to the west near Peck Road, he added. One burned about 400 square feet just north of the freeway, while another scorched a very small area nearby.
"What we think happened is an 18-wheeler might have been throwing off heat sparks from its brakes," Los Angeles County Fire Department Captain Robert Rodriguez said.
No structures were threatened, the inspector said, and a quick reaction by fire Los Angeles County Fire Station 90 stopped the blaze before is spread to heavier brush.
An inmate fire crew based in Azusa assisted firefighters from several area fire stations in the effort. About 30 fire people handled the blazes.
The right lane of the westbound 60 Freeway was shut down during the firefight to make room for equipment.
Firefighters drove up and down the freeway looking for additional fires, Stowers said, but none were found.