San Rafael Fires Probed As Suspicious Incidents

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Two small fires reported just over two hours apart in the same area of San Rafael Wednesday were likely set intentionally, and the person responsible is at large, authorities said.

No injuries were reported in either fire.

Separate fires in the Bay Trail that extends between Pickleweed Park and the San Rafael Canal at were reported at 5:12 and 7:36 p.m., the San Rafael Police Department said.

The first fire burned around 700 square feet in an area of wet marsh grass, producing smoke that could be seen in downtown San Rafael.

The second reported fire burned approximately 50 square feet.

Cigarettes were likely used to start both fires, San Rafael police Sgt. Raul Aguilar said.

“It was apparent this fire was also intentionally set and we assume was started by the same person, due to the similar nature of the fires; both along the path & set within a few hours of each other,” San Rafael Deputy Fire Chief Robert Sinnott said.

Passers-by help extinguish both fires Sinnott said.

Investigators are canvassing adjacent neighborhoods and reviewing video footage from a nearby community center to develop a description of the suspect, Aguilar said.

Anyone with information about this case or who may have surveillance video that shows suspect is asked to call the San Rafael Police Department at (415) 485-3000.