Marin County Vegetation Fire Grows To 40 Acres, Forces Evacuations
MARIN COUNTY (CBS SF) -- Fire crews in the North Bay are responding to a vegetation fire in the area of Samuel P. Taylor Park Monday night that has forced some evacuations, according to authorities.
As of shortly before 10:30 p.m., the fire had grown to 40 acres with zero percent containment, fire officials said.
Marin County Fire ordered the evacuations just before 9:30 p.m. Monday night for Mountain King Road, Portola Avenue and Alamo Way down to Barranca Road, officials said.
An evacuation order is in place for Mountain King Rd, Portola Ave and Alamo down to Barranca. Residents in that area should evacuate immediately to the Lagunitas School and wait for further information. Alamo Rd. will be closed until further notice. pic.twitter.com/0eqevGsb83
— Marin County Fire (@marincountyfire) September 11, 2018
An evacuation center was being set up at Lagunitas School.
Marin County spokesperson Laine Hendricks said the terrain is steep so it's been challenging for firefighters to reach the blaze.
"It's kind of treacherous terrain," Hendricks said.
The American Red Cross has been sent to Lagunitas School to help evacuees.
Hendricks said a lot of people are concerned about the fire because it has created a lot of smoke, but only residents on the roads designated so far need to evacuate.
About 25 structures are threatened in the evacuation area, Hendricks said.
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard was initially closed to traffic in both directions at Arroyo Road and no traffic is being allowed on Arroyo due to the fire.
The closure was later expanded to all of Arroyo Road, Alamo Road and Sir Francis Drake between Nicasio Valley and Platform Bridge Road.
Road Closures due #IrvingFire on Mt. Barnabe: All of Arroyo Road and
— Marin County Fire (@marincountyfire) September 11, 2018
Sir Francis Drake between Nicasio Valley and Platform Bridge Road.
Please avoid the area. #WestMarin pic.twitter.com/BDjvg65QJD
CHP units in the area are assisting with evacuations.
CHP Golden Gate Division Air Operations posted aerial video of the fire on its Facebook page.
The Marin County Fire Department Twitter account first posted about the fire at about 8:21 p.m.
Vegetation Fire in the area of Samuel P Taylor State Park under Mt Barnabe Lookout. Incident Commander reporting 2 acres, difficult access.
— Marin County Fire (@marincountyfire) September 11, 2018
The blaze, named the Irving Fire, had grown to about 5 acres by 9 p.m., fire officials said.
The Irving Vegetation Fire is now reported to be 5 acres in the area of Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Difficult access. 0% contained. No evacuation orders or structures threatened.
— Marin County Fire (@marincountyfire) September 11, 2018
Because of the remoteness of the location, officials said there there were no evacuation orders or structures threatened by the fire.
Marin Fire said the smell of smoke could be strong in the areas of San Geronimo and Fairfax. Another tweet encouraged residents to monitor local news media and follow any instructions issued by either Marin County Fire or the Marin County Sheriff.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local news media outlets and follow any further instructions if given by Marin County Fire or Marin County Sheriff. Smoke may be strong in the San Geronimo and Fairfax communities. The Fire Public Information Hotline 415-473-7191
— Marin County Fire (@marincountyfire) September 11, 2018
Residents can also get information from the Fire Public Information Hotline at 415-473-7191