Fire Burns 40 Acres; Dog Found Dead; Fall Getaways: Patch PM

NORTH BAY, CA – Missed today's headlines? Here are the Patch stories from Marin, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties that people are talking about today:

Smoke Triggers 'Spare The Air' Alert For Second Day In Bay Area

• Smoke has drifted into the Bay Area from wildfires further north, including the Mendocino Complex Fire that has burned over 300,000 acres.

Bridge Fire Burns 40 Acres On Black Mountain In Marin County

• Point Reyes-Petaluma Road is closed from Platform Bridge to state Highway 1, officials said.

Driver Rescued After Crashing 300 Feet Into Marin Ravine

• A man was airlifted to a hospital after crashing his car down an embankment and into a ravine in unincorporated Marin County.

Highway 1 To Close For Construction Near Marin-Sonoma County Line

• Delays are expected. Motorists are encouraged to take alternate routes if possible.

Downed Power Lines Prompt Sig-Alert On Highway 1 In Marin County

• A tree fell onto the highway, blocking the roadway and knocking down power lines, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Skeletal Remains Found In Marin County Identified

• Hikers discovered the remains in March in the Marin Headlands area near the Golden Gate Bridge.

Police Activity Closes Stretch of Petaluma Blvd. North

• Sheriff's deputies said "significant" law enforcement activity underway, while Petaluma police asked drivers to avoid area this afternoon.

Mom & Son Convicted For Running Local Brothel For 10 Years

• More than 150 females, at least one under 18, worked for the duo at locations in Sonoma County, prosecutors said.

2 Injured In Multi-Vehicle Crash On Lakeville Road

• The head-on collision near Highway 37 closed the roadway for more than two hours during the morning commute, officials said.

Dog Strangled, Found Dead In Backpack On Sonoma Co. Road

• Authorities are seeking the public's aid as they investigate the animal-abuse case.

Runaway Girl, 14, Found In North Bay

• The teen from San Ramon, reported missing July 31, was with another juvenile, also a possible runaway, police said.

Homicide: Injured, Bleeding Woman Found In Fairfield Parking Lot

• The female succumbed to her injuries at a hospital, and investigators are looking into her murder.

Top Romantic Fall Getaways: Sonoma, Big Sur & Lake Tahoe On List

• Three must-visit destinations from California caught the attention of Redbook magazine in its latest getaway guide.

Family Event With Pinkalicious & Curious George: Save The Date

• It will be a fun, free morning with refreshments, activities and appearances by the storybook characters.

Image via Marin County Fire Department