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Teen Playing With Matches Suspected In Fire That Damaged Novato Home

NOVATO (CBS SF) -- A home was damaged as a result of a two-alarm vegetation fire caused by a teenager playing with matches in Novato Tuesday evening,
firefighters said.

The incident was reported just after 6 p.m. off of Oliva Drive, according to Novato Fire Protection District Chief Mark Heine.

Arriving units found four or five acres of trees and brush burning with a rapid rate of spread, threatening many homes. It caused significant
damage to one home.

The fire was no longer growing and roughly 75 percent contained as of 7:30 p.m. Heine said units would remain on scene through the night to prevent further spread.

Investigators determined the incident was caused by a 14-year-old boy playing with matches.

He was cited and referred to the Youth Fire Setter Intervention Program, according to firefighters.

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