May 16--Novato authorities were on the hunt for a serial arsonist Friday after at least 13 small blazes were set in the city.
In a case that recalled a string of nearly 60 blazes set in rural areas across town two years ago, officials said many of the 13 fires set from early Wednesday to early Friday involved brush, although several occurred near residences.
A resident of a Trinity Drive home was treated for smoke inhalation following a fire in the garage.
"Obviously we have leads we're following up on," police Lt. Oliver Collins said, declining to elaborate.
Fire officials were mum, saying they are on the lookout for an arsonist.
"I can't comment on any of this stuff," Battalion Chief Gerald McCarthy said. "It's a crime scene."
Collins said three fires were set between midnight and 3 a.m. Friday on Briarwood Court and two on Sequoia Glen. Other fires erupted on Trinity Drive, Sylvio Lane, Columbine Drive and Lockport Drive, as well as southbound Highway 101 at Highway 37.
Fire and police officials were busy as the tally of fires grew throughout the day.
The outbreak occurred in the same areas hit by a string of small fires two years ago. In that case, dozens of spot fires broke out in the middle of the night over several weeks, most of them in brush at intersections in neighborhoods near the South Novato Boulevard exit on Highway 101, and in open space near the Bahia neighborhood.
Federal authorities joined that investigation, but a suspect never was identified.
Collins said the investigation of this week's fires will review "people we were looking at in 2012," as well as 911 calls and firebug scofflaws living in the region.
Anyone with information about the case or tips about suspects roaming town in the early-morning hours may call Novato authorities at 899-7032.
Copyright 2014 - The Marin Independent Journal, Novato, Calif.
