Crime & Safety

Firefighters Extinguish Grass Fire Near San Anselmo Border

A Thursday evening grass fire near Forbes Hill Reservoir didn't spread far because the Marin Municipal Water District had cleared brush from the area the day before the blaze, according to San Rafael fire officials.

By Jessica Mullins

San Rafael firefighters quickly extinguished a grass fire Thursday evening near the Forbes Hill Reservoir, across from 316 Santa Margarita Drive in a west San Rafael neighborhood. 

Firefighters from the department’s downtown station were the first of four engines to arrive on the scene, just more than 500 feet from the San Anselmo border, around 7:30 p.m. 

“The wind had picked up and the firefighters had a fire moving halfway up the hill toward the Forbes Hill Water Reservoir when they arrived,” said San Rafael Fire Chief Chris Gray in a release. 

The fire didn’t spread far and was limited to less than a half acre, largely because the Marin Municipal Water District had done “aggressive brush clearance” on Wednesday, according to Gray. 

“Along with homeowners, the City of San Rafael, MMWD, PG&E and Cal Trans have been working to improve defensible space around town to limit fire spread and subsequent damage,” Gray said.

The cause of the fire in under investigation. The fire appeared to have started in a rocky outcropping below the reservoir that is frequented by youth, Gray said. 

Fifteen firefighters responded to the incident and no injuries were reported. Also, the water tank was not damaged, according to Gray. 

“Prompt calls to 9-1-1 and a rapid response by firefighters limited loss,” he said. “Residents are reminded to be vigilant and call 9-1-1 without delay, we don’t mind. 

Residents should also heed the example here of the effectiveness of removing fuel to slow down or stop a roaring brush fire’s progress. The fuel around town is really getting dry and the slightest spark with a little wind is all it takes.”


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