Authorities arrested a man for allegedly igniting a brush fire outside Marinwood on Tuesday. No injuries or structure damages were reported.
The fire burned between the Queenstone and Ponte fire roads. There were no threats to structures, and evacuations were not ordered.
The incident was reported around 4:15 a.m., drawing firefighters from the Marin County, San Rafael and Marinwood departments. The fire burned approximately 18 acres, the Marin County Fire Department said. The fire was 45% contained by 3 p.m., the county fire department said.
San Rafael fire Battalion Chief Anthony Alviso said the fire started in a remote area that crews had to hike more than a mile to reach. An aircraft and a helicopter were deployed to assist.
Sheriff’s deputies, county fire staff and Novato police identified a suspect and found him near Safeway on Nave Drive in Novato, Marin County sheriff’s Sgt. Adam Schermerhorn said. He was detained after a brief struggle.
Colin Crook, 34, who is unhoused, said he burned his tent and belongings, according to Schermerhorn. He stated that the suspect attempted to extinguish the fire, but he left the scene before making sure it was out.
Crook was arrested on suspicion of recklessly causing a forestland fire and resisting police. He was booked into the Marin County Main Jail, where his bail amount was set at $12,000.
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