A small, but visible vegetation fire started at Petaluma’s Steamer Landing Park at 2:20 p.m, and was about 2 acres long. Police have stated that a suspicious man had started the fire. The man was arrested for being suspected of committing the arson.

The man, who’s name was not released, was reportedly 50 years old. He was arrested and taken into custody with a bail of $20,000. Police have also conducted a background check on the man, and found that he had a hefty amount of felony warrants. During his arrest, he was searched and found to have carried drug paraphernalia, such as needles, syringes, pipes, cigarettes, and medicine containers, the PPD announced.

Currently, the fire is under investigation. Firefighters put out  the fire within 25 minutes. No one was injured or hurt, and structures were not damaged.  

Petaluma’s Streamer Landing has had fires in the past: a small gas fire happened just four months ago.

On May 18, 2022, a small homeless encampment caught on fire on a Wednesday morning at Steamer Landing Park, at around 9 a.m. This fire took place in the parking lot of the park. it was contained by the Petaluma Police and the Petaluma Fire Department. 

 This fire brought heavy smoke, causing traffic to crowd and block ways. The smoke came along to D Street, from Lakeville Street to 1st Street.

“Heavy smoke, a large number of emergency vehicles and emergency personnel [were] causing traffic congestion in the area,” Petaluma Police stated in a public alert.

 Just after 9 a.m, the Petaluma police said that the firefighters were successfully able to get hold of the fire and extinguish it.

Wildfires are at high risk and everyone needs to be prepared for when it hits again.