Burned trees to be removed along Highway 101 in Petaluma

Caltrans on Monday will remove trees burned in a blaze that destroyed four homes and damaged 10 others in September along Highway 101 in Petaluma.

The tree removal will begin at 8 a.m. Monday along the northbound highway lanes just south of the off ramp at East Washington Street.

Caltrans doesn't expect to close any travel lanes but advised “motorists should drive with caution through the work zone.”

The work will last each weekday until 3 p.m. and is expected to be finished within two weeks. However, adverse weather or other unforeseen circumstances could affect the schedule.

Authorities believe the Sept. 27 fire was started from a cigarette thrown from a vehicle on the highway. The fire began in dry grass, engulfed a group of eucalyptus trees and spread to the adjacent neighborhood.