Firefighters knocked down two vegetation fires in an open space at the end of 2650 Kerner Blvd. in east San Rafael Thursday afternoon, San Rafael Fire Chief Chris Gray said.
The fires that were reported at 2:15 p.m. burned 12-foot high pampas grass, Gray said.
They are thought to be connected to homeless encampments in the area, Gray said.
"Flammable and invasive pampas grass contributed to the rapid spread of these fires that has grown in this area, providing cover for the encampments and danger for firefighters," Gray said in a statement.
According to Gray, authorities are following up with the encampments to help keep them out of the area.
"Fortunately no injuries occurred as a result of these fires, but they did send up columns of smoke that could be seen for several miles," the fire chief said.
— Bay City News Service contributed to this report.
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