A series of wind-driven grass fires broke out around south Sonoma County on Tuesday afternoon including one that closed Highway 116/Stage Gulch Road south of Petaluma, emergency personnel said.
The CHP closed the highway between Adobe Road and Lakeville Highway in the wake of a 3:29 p.m. vehicle crash that brought down a power pole and power lines, igniting the fire, dispatchers said.
It appeared the evening commute would be affected. The CHP indicated the highway would be closed for an extended period.
Two or three other fires also were burning in the area, including one on the north end of Petaluma, between Orchard Lane and Highway 101 in Penngrove, emergency dispatchers said.
A grass fire also was reported at Doran Beach, near the Cypress Day Use area east of the campgrounds. No details were immediately available.
UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy: