UPDATE: Brush fires severely impact traffic on Hwy. 101 near Novato; landfill fire contained
NOVATO -- Crews will remain overnight after battling multiple brush fires burning north of Novato early Monday evening, forcing the California Highway Patrol, at one point, to close northbound lanes of US Highway 101.
By 9:50 p.m., the grass fire burning on the east side of Interstate Highway 101 was 100 percent contained, according to the Novato Fire District. The fire consumed 80 acres. Crews were staying overnight to mop up.
Shortly before 5 p.m., police reported the fire burning at Redwood Sanitary Landfill on the east side of northbound Highway 101, north of Novato.
Traffic was severely impacted throughout the evening. All northbound lanes of were blocked at the San Antonio exit, according to CHP. Traffic was being diverted off to San Antonio and was heavily backed up from Rowland Boulevard.
The Marin County Sheriff later confirmed there were multiple fires burning. As of around 6:30 p.m., the fires had burned 135 acres and were 75% contained.
The Sheriff said northbound 101 was down to one lane and intermittently completely shutdown by the fire, with a huge traffic backup stretching nearly to Hwy 37.
Drivers are advised not to attempt to travel north on 101 through the area. SMART train service, which was completely shut down for a time, had resumed at reduced speeds..
Authorities said there are no evacuations and currently no danger to the public.
Marin County CHP confirmed that the brush fire near the Redwood Sanitary Landfill was causing heavy traffic delays in the area. Drivers were advised to use alternate routes if possible.
As of 5:30 p.m., the right lane of 101 remained blocked, according to reports.
