Mower sparks grass fire off Stony Point Road

A mower cutting high weeds caused a grass fire north of Petaluma on Wednesday that consumed a half acre before being brought under control.

The 1:50 p.m. fire off Stony Point Road near Roblar Avenue apparently was sparked when the mower struck a rock, according to Rancho Adobe Fire Capt. Tim Caldwell.

He said the fire was fueled by a combination of high wind and dry grass, a sign that fire season is getting underway.

“We’re just starting to see them pop up around the county,” he said of grass fires. “It’s still fairly green, but everyone is on heightened alert.”

He said the winds dry out the vegetation “and everyone is starting to cut for feed. It just takes one spark.”

The fire was in a field near a couple of homes and a winery building, but the winds were favorable and did not threaten the structures, according to Caldwell. The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes.

In addition to Rancho Adobe, Cal Fire also responded.