Smoke Bomb Ignites 1-Acre Hillside Blaze, Threatens Terra Linda Homes

Firefighters made quick work of a vegetation fire in San Rafael that appears to have been set off by smoke bomb, authorities said.

The blaze started behind 1717 Las Gallinas Avenue in the Terra Linda area of San Rafael, San Rafael Fire Chief Chris Gray said.

Nine San Rafael firefighters and three from the Marinwood Fire Department working under the command of Battalion Chief Jeff Rowan amid Red Flag conditions got the upper hand on a blaze that could have been disastrous, Gray said.

One minor injury was reported. No structures were damaged.

"Based upon fire weather conditions, steep terrain and tinder dry vegetation, the fire moved rapidly upslope, threatening homes on Park Ridge Road," Gray said.

"Fortunately the fire was limited to less than one acre thanks to aggressive efforts by the firefighters. "

The blaze appears to have been started by a juvenile setting off a smoke bomb, Gray said.

The juvenile twisted his ankle running away from the scene on a steep hillside and was treated by San Rafael paramedics.

A Red Flag warning will be in effect through Thursday morning, Gray said.

"Residents are urged to take safety precautions at all times and please remain vigilant," he said.

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