Vegetation Fire At Petaluma's River Plaza Quickly Quelled

PETALUMA, CA — A vegetation fire broke out Thursday near a Petaluma shopping center but crews worked quickly to douse the flames, the Petaluma Fire Department said.

Personnel with Petaluma FD, Cal Fire and the Petaluma Police Department responded to the blaze reported at 4:38 p.m. at the Golden Eagle Shopping Center at River Plaza, 60 E. Washington St.

The fire produced a large plume of smoke that could be seen from around the city.

As firefighters arrived within three minutes, they found vegetation on fire between the shopping center and the turning basin of the Petaluma River.

Crews worked quickly and within 27 minutes of the initial call-out, the fire was almost out, Petaluma FD Battalion Chief Kevin Weaver said.

"The Petaluma Fire Department wishes to thank our astute residents who called in to report the fire," Weaver said. "Due to the quick action of our residents, crews were able to quickly respond and keep the fire from spreading to nearby businesses."

Petaluma FD also thanked CalFire and Petaluma PD for their help with the incident.

Weaver said the fire was a reminder that although there has been extensive rain this year, shrubs and grasses can serve as a fuel source when an ignition source is introduced.

"We encourage residents to keep defensible space and combustible vegetation maintained in accordance with local requirements," Weaver said. "In addition, we ask our residents to continue to be diligent in reporting fires, especially during the upcoming months and through the summer."