Petaluma PD Investigates Fire That Burned 2 Acres, Injured Man

PETALUMA, CA — Police are investigating the Thursday morning brush fire that burned two acres and injured a man in Shollenberger Park in Petaluma.

Robert Evans, a 52-year-old Petaluma resident who had been camping along the Petaluma River, told police he accidentally set the fire after dropping a cigarette in dry vegetation. He told police he tried to put the fire out with a bottle of water, his feet and a sleeping bag, suffering second- and third-degree burns to his hands, legs and head.

Evans left the area without reporting the fire, police said. He was taken to Petaluma Valley Hospital but was set to be transported to a burn center Thursday evening. He was not arrested, but police said they are investigating the fire as "possibly caused by negligence."

The fire broke out at 11:35 a.m. Fire crews had to cut a fence to reach the blaze, which was burning in a marshland accessible only by foot paths, Petaluma Fire Department assistant chief Jeff Schach told Patch. A fireboat from neighboring Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department assisted in the effort.

By early afternoon, the blaze had been contained.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.