Woodacre, CA -- The Marin County Fire Department said a problem with power lines sparked two vegetation fires in West Marin that took place about one mile apart late Monday night.
The fires scorched about two acres apiece on remote ranches and required the work of 28 personnel from four agencies. No one was injured, according to Marin County Fire Interim Battalion Chief Jeremey Pierce.
Firefighters were dispatched at 10:57 p.m. Monday to a fire off 5720 Nicasio Valley Road, straddling two ranch properties about a mile and a half northeast of Nicasio town square. Crews arrived in the area at 11:14 p.m. to find two fires – the first plus and another near 1690 Old Rancheria Road, due west of Nicasio and north of Skywalker Ranch in Lucas Valley.
Pierce said firefighters made quick work of both fires, calling them contained at 11:42 p.m. The burned area had been fueled by light vegetation underneath the power lines. Pierce said power lines were on the ground and made it difficult for crews to reach the Old Rancheria blaze, but the lines were not down at the locations of the two fires.
“We’re not sure how or why the fires started, but we know it was the power lines,” he said. “PG&E hasn’t figured it out at this point.”
In all, seven engines, two water tenders, one bulldozer and one ambulance were used at the fires. CalFire, the Novato Fire District and the Skywalker Fire Brigade assisted Marin County Fire.
No homes or ranches were threatened. The affected area, about nine miles west of Highway 101, is known for its dairies and horse/cattle ranches.
