Arson fires plague Novato - 25 since Saturday NOVATO

Novato police are searching for at least one suspect in a string of 25 small arson fires since Saturday night.

Police say the first fires, in a trash bin and in dry grass, were set in southern Novato late Saturday. More fires were reported nearby as firefighters were extinguishing those blazes.

In all, at least 18 arson fires were reported Saturday night and early Sunday on South Novato and Redwood boulevards, Sunnybrae Lane, Seascape Drive and Sequoia Glen Lane, said police Capt. Jim Berg.

The fires damaged a utility pole and a fence, he said.

Another seven fires were reported Sunday night and Monday morning, Berg said. Six were in the area where the arson fires were set the night before, Berg said.

It is not yet clear if the seventh fire, which burned more than a half-acre of brush, is related, he said.

"The fires are set late at night when not a lot of people are up, so we don't have any eyewitnesses," Berg said.

Police ask that anyone with information call (415) 897-1122 or (800) 848-0101.