A brush fire likely caused by a discarded cigarette burned nearly 1,000 square feet of vegetation at the base of San Rafael Hill behind the Elks Lodge parking lot on Mission Ave. early Tuesday morning, according to the San Rafael Fire Department.
San Rafael Fire Chief Chris Gray said firefighters were called to the scene at 1312 Mission Ave. shortly after midnight Tuesday. Firefighters found the fire just north of the Elks Club parking lot near the base of San Rafael Hill.
The fire was quickly contained, and the weather cooperated with moderate winds after a hot day, Gray said, helping firefighters contained the fire to less than 1,000 square feet.
"The fire's origin appears to be in the area of some homeless activity and was likely caused by discarded smoking materials," he said.
No damage or injuries were reported.
Gray emphasized that camping, cooking and smoking are not permitted in San Rafael Open Space. He reminded residents and visitors not to use or discard smoking materials near flammable vegetation.
"We're here to help, but are simply overmatched with the deadly combination of fuel, weather and fire that is taking shape," Gray said.
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