Full Notification

On Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at approximately 7:45 PM, Mill Valley Police Department was notified of possible fireworks activity on Fern Canyon Road in Mill Valley.  Shortly after, additional calls reported a vegetation fire near 10 Fern Canyon Road.   Mill Valley Police and Fire personnel were dispatched to the area.  The Mill Valley Fire Department began a quick initial attack on the fire, which was burning from the edge of Fern Canyon Road downhill into heavy brush. The northwest winds were enough to develop fire whirls.
 
Additional resources from Marin County Fire, along with a special Strike Team, were utilized to combat the fire. The fire’s forward progress was stopped and contained at a ¼ acre within thirty-five minutes.   Fire personnel provided a presence on Walden Lane and Myrtle for any potential public notification or outreach. A total of twenty-three fire resources responded due to the potential for rapid growth and public risk. As the fire was extinguished, two fire engines remained on scene for the night to ensure there were no rekindles.
 
Police and fire personnel determined the fire was caused by fireworks. Packages of “sparklers” and other expended fireworks were located along the dirt turnout on Fern Canyon Road. The Mill Valley Police Department has taken over the investigation at this time. If you have any relevant information or security camera footage, please contact Detective Ryan Smith at 415-389-4100. You can also email               [email protected]
 
The Mill Valley Police Department, Mill Valley Fire Department, and the City of Mill Valley take this matter very seriously and will be pursue criminal charges, if possible. We are collectively very disappointed by the reckless and irresponsible behavior demonstrated by the person(s) who ignited fireworks in a highly flammable area during a Red Flag Warning with no due regard for public safety.