Fire Department Press Release – San Rafael Hill 10-06-2026

San Rafael Fire Department - PRESS RELEASE

Abraham Roman, Fire Chief

Vegetation Fire on San Rafael Hill

• Incident Commander: Anthony Alviso, Battalion Chief.
• Date of Incident: October 06, 2026.
• Time of Dispatch: 10:47a.m.
• Location of Incident: On Robert Dollar Fire Road above the Robert Dollar Drive vista.
• Type of Incident: Wildland - Vegetation.
• Damage Estimate: No Damage.
• Resources Assigned: 3 chief officers, 5 engines, 1 paramedic ambulance, 1 water tender, 1 water dropping helicopter, Rafael Fire drone Big Mac, and 1 fire investigator.

Earlier today, contracted wildfire-mitigation crews working for the City of San Rafael were conducting vegetation-reduction activities on City owned land on San Rafael Lincoln Hill when a fire ignited within the treatment area. Preliminary information indicates the fire was accidentally sparked by the crew's equipment.

The crew immediately called 9-1-1 and attempted initial suppression using the fire-fighting tools required under their vegetation-management contract. San Rafael Fire Department units quickly arrived and contained the fire to less than half an acre within 30 minutes. Existing fire roads and prior fuel-reduction work significantly aided containment efforts and reduced the risk of expansion. No structures were threatened, no evacuations were required, and no injuries were reported. Alert Marin, Nixle, and social media was utilized to inform the community and reduce additional calls to 9-1-1.

This is the first incident in which a City-contracted wildfire-mitigation team has contributed to a fire ignition since San Rafael launched its proactive open-space vegetation-management program in 2020. All vegetation-management contractors are required to carry equipment such as backpack water pumps, extinguishers, and hand tools, which were used immediately to begin establishing control lines. The crew has been fully cooperative throughout the response and review process.
Completed fuel-reduction treatments on Lincoln Hill continue to make the community safer and have contributed to minimizing fire behavior and supporting firefighter operations on multiple wildfires.

Today's incident serves as an important reminder that wildfire conditions remain present in San Rafael. Residents are urged to stay vigilant, maintain preparedness, and use extreme caution when operating mechanical equipment such as chainsaws, weed eaters, or lawn mowers, as sparks or hot components can unintentionally start a fire.

PIO Contact:

Robert Sinnott, Deputy Fire Chief-Deputy Fire Marshal

415-485-5067 (desk)

[email protected]

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