Man Arrested For Causing 16-Acre Spirit Fire In Marin: Sheriff

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Authorities arrested a man Tuesday for allegedly causing the 16-acre Spirit Fire in the Woodacre area of unincorporated Marin County.

Henry Walker, 73, of Petaluma, was arrested on suspicion of felony reckless burning. He flagged down a Marin County Fire Department battalion chief and admitted setting his personal effects on fire on a ridge, according to the Marin County Sheriff's Office.

Walker said the fire grew out of control. He was injured while trying to stomp out the flames, according to the sheriff's office.

The fire was reported around 4:10 p.m. Tuesday on a ridge above the Spirit Rock Meditation Center at 5000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in Woodacre.

Cal Fire, San Rafael Fire and Ross Valley Fire assisted Marin County Fire with air attack crews and tankers.

Authorities issued an evacuation warning "out of an abundance of caution" for the area of Rancho Santa Margarita East, officials said, but the warning was later lifted.

The fire was 60 percent contained as of 7:50 p.m. Tuesday. Full containment was expected Wednesday.

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– Bay City News Service contributed to this report.