Fire Burns 152 Acres, Forces Evacuations In Marin County

MARIN COUNTY, CA – A wildfire sparked Monday night in Marin County, scorching dozens of acres and prompting evacuations in the area.

The blaze, called the Irving Fire, broke out around 7 p.m. Monday under Mount Barnabe Lookout in the area of Samuel P. Taylor State Park, according to the Marin County Fire Department. By Tuesday evening, the fire had scorched 152 acres and was 45 percent contained. Fire officials said an earlier estimate on Tuesday of 115 acres was adjusted because of GPS mapping data later in the day.

Also see: Downed Power Line Sparked Irving Fire In Marin County: Officials

It was challenging for firefighters to contain the blaze because of the steep terrain, county spokeswoman Laine Hendricks said. Firefighters used a combination of bulldozers, hand crews, water tenders and engines in the firefight.

"It's kind of treacherous terrain," Hendricks said.

Hendricks said people were concerned about the fire because the blaze created a lot of smoke, especially in the San Geronimo and Fairfax communities.

Authorities issued an evacuation order for residents on Mountain King Road, Portola Avenue and Alamo Way to Barranca Road. An evacuation warning was also issued for residents in the upper part of Forest Knolls and Lagunitas.

Residents were evacuated to Lagunitas School at 1 Lagunitas School Road in San Geronimo. Classes at the school were canceled Tuesday. The campus remained safe, officials said, but many staff and students were evacuated and unable to attend school.

By 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, all evacuation orders and warnings were lifted.

About 150 structures were threatened at the height of the fire, but no structures were damaged.

An estimated 54 homes remained without power Tuesday night, including homes in the following areas: 200-300 block of Arroyo Road, 100 block of Portola Avenue, Samuel P. Taylor State Park area, and equipment on Barnabe Ridge.

Pacific Gas & Electric estimated that homes in those areas could remain without power until 5 p.m. Wednesday. Crews worked to restore power to some areas Tuesday night.

The fire initially forced authorities to close Arroyo Road and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard between Nicasio Valley and Platform Bridge roads. All roads were reopened by Tuesday night.

Roughly 150 firefighters fought the flames on Tuesday, including crews from Cal Fire, Kentfield Fire, Novato Fire, Ross Valley Fire, San Rafael Fire, Santa Rosa Fire, Sonoma Valley Fire and Tomales Volunteer Fire. In addition, Central Marin Fire, Novato Fire and Ross Valley Fire provided additional support overnight.

The wind continued to be a challenge for firefighters, causing hot spots to flare up. However, crews strengthened the fire lines within the perimeter of the blaze.

Marin County Fire anticipated crews would be actively working through at least Thursday.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.

Photo credit: Marin County Fire Department