An attempt to prevent fires in the Stanford foothills was, ironically, the cause of one last week. According to the Stanford Fire Station, a tractor mower hit a rock, causing a spark that ignited a small fire near the Dish. The tractor mower’s operator was attempting to establish a firebreak in case of a possible wildfire.

The fire was seen by a few Stanford tour guides before a gate guard called it in around 11:05 a.m. The Palo Alto Fire Department and California Department of Forestry soon arrived and had the fire easily contained and extinguished by 11:45 a.m.

“There was no wind, which was very lucky,” said Associate Director of News Services Jack Hubbard. “[The firemen] really tackled it.”

The fire managed to burn six acres near the popular walking and jogging spot, according to Hubbard. The trail was temporarily closed, but only briefly. It was reopened to the public after the burned shrubbery was cleared away around 12:30 p.m.

There has not been a large fire in the Stanford foothills in the last decade, but the University is aware of the hot conditions during the dry season. There is even a fire station located at Foothills Park, which operates solely during the fire season.

“We’re always watching for that . . . as it can move pretty quickly,” Hubbard said, regarding area fires during the summer.