Propane torch for weed burning sparks Sonoma Valley grass fire

As Sunday’s temperature in the Sonoma Valley soared toward 100 degrees, a homeowner using a propane torch to burn weeds touched off a small grass fire, according to a Sonoma Valley fire official Monday.

It was 99 degrees at 12:17 p.m. when firefighters and six engines from Sonoma Valley, Cal Fire and the Sonoma Developmental Center in Eldridge responded to the fire on Morningside Mountain Drive above Arnold Drive. The first engine arrived in seven minutes to find a small area of burning grass on a residential property. The fire was stopped after burning ¼ acre.

The cause was the weed burning, said Sonoma Valley fire Battalion Chief Bob Norrbom.

Firefighters frequently issue safety warnings about not putting hot ashes in plastic or other combustible containers, leaving oil-soaked rags where they can combust or leaving flammable items on heaters.

Monday, Norrbom added propane torch-weed burning warning to the list.

You can reach Staff Writer Randi Rossmann at 707-521-5412.