Woman Arrested For Arson After Novato House Fire: Police

NOVATO, CA — A woman arrested Sunday in Novato is accused of intentionally setting a house on fire, according to police.

Police and fire crews rushed to a house on Alameda De La Loma around 4:30 p.m. Sunday after witnesses reported a person had lit a fire and was fleeing the scene. According to police, a preliminary investigation revealed a woman had approached the home for unknown reasons and lit something on fire near the upper porch.

The resulting blaze caused significant damage to the inside and outside of the home, but no one was injured, police said.

Authorities searched the area and found a woman matching the suspect described by a witness, who police identified Monday as Amy Lewis, 41. She was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of felony arson. Police officials thanked the community for their quick work in helping lead officers to a suspect.

"She was taken into custody due to effective teamwork and communication with the Novato Fire Protection District," the department wrote on Facebook. "We are extremely grateful for our community members who provided accurate and timely information, ultimately leading to the arrest."

According to police, the homeowners were not at the house when the blaze ignited and told officers they did not know Lewis. Crime scene investigators, detectives and a fire ranger responded to the scene to gather evidence, talk to witnesses and collect surveillance footage. Investigators have not shared details about a potential motive.