Olema, CA - A fast-moving fire along Highway One in Olema came within several feet of homes and other structures including a schoolhouse built in the 1800s late Friday afternoon.
Marin County Fire Department personnel responded to the blaze at 5:40 p.m. across from the Olema Campground. A vehicle struck a utility pole, causing a power line to fall onto the dry grass. The flames spread fast and within minutes were dangerously close to the structures.
“Quick action by firefighters saved these homes,” said Fire Chief Jason Weber.
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There were no injuries to fire crews or the driver of the vehicle.
The roadway was blocked by the downed power lines and broken utility pole, hampering fire crews’ ability to initially access part of the fire.
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The nearly three-acre fire was contained in just over 30 minutes.
Assistance was provided by the Inverness Volunteer Fire Department and the National Park Service. CAL-Fire launched aircraft from Sonoma County that were ultimately cancelled without dropping any water.
