Large Wildfire Claims 19 Acres in West Petaluma

Fire crews battled a wildfire in West Petaluma Monday that claimed 19 acres of open space and numerous barns, according to a Rancho Adobe Fire spokesman.          

The fire was reported in the 1100 block Thompson Lane at 3:23 p.m Monday and spread rapidly, thanks to dry grass and winds that reached more than 26 miles per hour. 

Officials considered evacuating homes on Thompson Lane, Skillman Lane and Magnolia Avenue but called off plans after the fire was contained by 5pm, according to Dave Welch, a safety officer at Rancho Adobe Fire.

Crews battled the blaze for nearly two hours, assisted by helicopters. No homes were damaged in the fire and by 5:30pm officials began opening up roads that had been closed to traffic. 

The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.

The strong winds Monday afternoon also downed a tree on B Street and 10th Street, according to the Press Democrat. The heavy wind is  expected to continue until Tuesday.

Were you impacted by the wildfire? Have photos? Send them to karina@patch.com