73-Year-Old Charged With Starting Marin Fire

The Spirit Fire in Marin County was started by a 73-year-old man who claimed that he did not expect the flames to get out of control, authorities said on Aug. 27, 2019.
Photo credit Marin County Fire Department

A 73-year-old man started a fire in Marin County that quickly grew out of control and led authorities to briefly issue an evacuation warning on Tuesday, authorities said. 

Henry Walker of Petaluma flagged down a fire official on Tuesday, saying that a fire was spreading after he'd burned some personal items near the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre. 

The fire grew to 16 acres. On Wednesday, the county fire department said that it was 80% contained and that firefighters would likely have it fully contained by the end of the day. 

Walker was arrested on suspicion of reckless burning, a felony. 

An evacuation warning was briefly issued on Tuesday for people in Rancho Santa Margarita East. 

There was no reported damage to buildings. Walker had minor injuries from trying to stomp out the flames, the sheriff's office said, but no one else was hurt. 

#SpiritFire Update: the evacuation warning for Rancho Santa Margarita East has been LIFTED. Fire size estimated at 10-12 acres, 60% contained. Forward progress has been stopped. -- pic.twitter.com/sebY4mRFdb

— Marin County Fire (@marincountyfire) August 28, 2019