Laguna Seca Neighborhood Questions Controlled Burns - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

Central Coast News has new information on Monday's brushfire in Laguna Seca.  Firefighters put it out fast, but said it could have been worse because of the lack of controlled burns this year.  We decided to find out why they haven't been done and who's at risk because of it.  Fire crews said the two and half acre fire could've escalated because the area is so dry.

"Towards the beginning of fire season, not only would the grass be cleared out to remove the chance of an emergency but also it would provide our staff with the training for the season," said Monterey County Regional Fire District Deputy Fire Marshal Dorothy Priolo.

Monterey County Regional Fire tells us homes in the nearby Pasadera community could've been threatened if crews hadn't got it under control so quickly.  Fire crews believe something shot from the gun range like a bullet, caught a dry area on fire once it hit the brush. 

Controlled burns have happened in Laguna Seca several times before.  But this year homeowners spoke up, asking if there's any threat to the local environment, putting Monterey County Regional Fire in a tough spot.  It decided to hold off on the burn and the environmental study, for now.  They want to see how bad fire season gets in that area first. 

The agency that does the study said it can take anywhere from four to six months and can be costly.  One Pasadera homeowner said she doesn't want an unexpected fire, but more information is always better.

"I would appreciate it if there was some type of environmental study simply because I have allergies and my breathing is bothered whenever there is a controlled burn," said Pasadera homeowner Caroline Mudd.