NOVATO, CA — Firefighters responded Tuesday afternoon to the Sequoia Fire burning in the grass in Novato, leading to evacuation orders, officials said.
At 6 p.m. the Novato Police Department stated that all remaining evacuation orders had been lifted for the Sequoia Fire, including Briarwood Court, and residents may return home.
Firefighters remain at the scene conducting mop-up and monitoring operations, and smoke will continue to be visible in the area. Authorities are asking residents to drive cautiously, avoid unnecessary travel near the fire and yield to emergency vehicles.
The Sequoia Fire was first reported around 3:50 p.m. near Sequoia Glen Lane and Scotia Lane in Novato, according to fire officials.
Novato Fire Protection District crews said the blaze was about 1.5 acres and burning in grass with a slow rate of spread.
At 4:14 p.m. the Novato Police department sent out an alert telling residents on these streets to self evacuate:
"Leave residences now. High Low Sirens are in use for evacuations on those streets only," police said.
At 4:15 p.m., the Novato Fire Protection District reported forward progress had been stopped but told residents to continue to avoid Redwood Boulevard and South Novato Boulevard.
The Novato Fire Protection District and Novato Police Department also issued an alert advising the public to avoid the area around Redwood Boulevard and Albion Court until further notice while firefighters worked to contain the fire.
At 4:48 p.m., the Novato Police Department stated evacuation orders were lifted for Silvio Lane, Sequoia Glen Lane and Albion Court, officials said.
Residents on Briarwood Court remained under an evacuation order and police said residents should not return until authorities announce it is safe to do so.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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