Crime & Safety

San Rafael Firefighters Battle 3-Acre Blaze Near 580 Freeway

Tall flames were visible for miles.

Firefighters early this morning battled a vegetation fire near Interstate 580 in San Rafael that was visible for miles, authorities said.

Amid a Red Flag Warning that's almost unheard of in January, the 3-acre blaze vegetation fire was fueled by dry brush.

The blaze was reported at about 4 a.m. in the marsh area bordered by Kerner Boulevard and Francisco Boulevard East and Shoreline Parkway, San Rafael Fire Chief Chris Gray said.

Find out what's happening in Larkspur-Corte Maderawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

San Rafael and Larkspur Firefighters under the command of Battalion Chief Paul Crimmins contained the blaze within 45 minutes, Gray said.

A total of 21 Firefighters with six engines responded to the blaze. Larkspur Firefighters assisted with suppression efforts and San Rafael Police were also on scene. 

Find out what's happening in Larkspur-Corte Maderawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The fire burned less than three acres and no structures were damaged as firefighters worked quickly to protect nearby buildings, Gray said. No injuries were reported. 

The cause is under investigation and appears to be the result of an illegal encampment in the area, Gray said. There were reports of at least two people fleeing the scene at the time of the fire. San Rafael Police are following up with the investigation. 

With drought and high fire danger at a record high for January, residents and visitors are reminded to be fire safe and vigilant. 


For assistance with keeping your home safe, pleasecontact your local fire dept. www.srfd.com.

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