Highway 101 Fires Likely Caused by Sparks

Fire Chief Chris Gray confirmed that the 13 or so fires started along Highway 101 and Merrydale Avenue in Terra Linda Monday were likely set off by sparks generated by a vehicle.

"Parts of an exhaust system and some catalytic converter materials were found at one location near where the fire started," Gray said. "It doesn't take much in this weather when everything is dry and there is low humidity."

Slightly less than two acres were scorched by the blazes that were reported at about 3:30 p.m. between Manuel Freitas Parkway and Lincoln Avenue.

About 30 firefighters and 10 engines responded to the multiple fires and at one point, about 15 extra personnel were assigned to cover the public storage facility on Merrydale Road because there was concern it was in danger.

"The issues there turned out to be non-issues," said Battalion Chief Jim Lydon. 

In addition to the San Rafael Fire Department, the Marin County Sheriff's Office and the California Highway Patrol managed the scene.