Building Fire: Novato & San Rafael Crews Respond

NOVATO, CA – Two individuals safely escaped a fire that broke out Monday shortly after midnight at a commercial building in Novato -- a blaze that crews were able to knock down in about an hour, according to the Novato Fire District.

Novato crews responded, along with the Marinwood and San Rafael fire departments, to the structure on the 300 block of Bel Marin Keys Boulevard where the fire already was "well established," Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Veliquette said, adding that two occupants safely escaped.

The building houses around 10 businesses, which all suffered either smoke, fire or water damage, according to Veliquette, who said crews will be at the scene throughout the day doing overhaul and salvage operations.

Responders included eight engines, two ladder trucks, two paramedic ambulances and two battalion chiefs, the agency said.

Although the cause is under investigation, arson investigators are on the way to the scene, Veliquette said.

• ALSO SEE: Early-Morning Earthquake Shakes North Bay

--Bay City News contributed to this report