Homes Spared in Fire Near Marin Valley Road in Novato

UPDATE, 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Sept. 30: A brush fire that briefly threatened several homes on Marin Valley Road in Novato Friday was 75 percent contained as of 4:45 p.m., according to the Novato Fire District.

Air drops made by Cal Fire air tanker crews were credited with saving several residences, including two apartment buildings.

Crews were expected to remain on the fire lines overnight due to a forecast of high winds, officials said.

Hutchins Road was closed while crews cleaned bright-colored fire retardant from the roadway.

ORIGINAL POST:

NOVATO, CA — A vegetation fire tore through 18 acres in Novato Friday and briefly threatened homes, but water drops from Cal Fire air tankers protected the residences, fire officials said.

The grass fire just off U.S. Highway 101 broke out on Marin Valley Drive sometime around 12:30 p.m. and quickly spread to 18 acres near Nave and Bolling drives, according to the Novato Fire District.

At about 1:15 p.m., Novato Fire District Spokeswoman Sandy Wargo said the fire was 30 percent contained.

"All homes are safe," Wargo said. "Forward progression stopped."

Firefighters remain on scene.

There were no evacuation orders issued, however some residents were asked to shelter in place and others chose to voluntarily evacuate, Novato fire Chief Mark Heine said. As of 2 p.m. it was safe for all residents to return home.

Here is a video update from Chief Heine:

This is a developing story. Refresh the page for updates as more information is gathered.

Images via Novato Fire District and Marin County Fire