Two-Alarm Brush Fire Near Northgate Mall Considered Suspicious

San Rafael police and fire officials say a two-alarm brush fire near Northgate Mall that threatened an office building this evening is considered suspicious.

The fire, which started on a hill across from the Northgate Mall, was reported at 5:10 p.m., according to police. The fire was burning in heavy vegetation on a steep slope and spread quickly uphill, threatening a vacant commercial building at 1 Thorndale Drive, San Rafael fire officials said.

Firefighters were able to protect the building and brought the fire under control within around 30 minutes, according to fire officials.

No injuries were reported and the fire was limited to around 2 acres.

Witnesses reported seeing juveniles running from the area where the fire started, toward the shopping center, according to police. Officers were unable to locate any suspects in the area, and are asking the public for help in locating them.

Anyone with information on this fire should contact San Rafael police at (415) 485-3000 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

By Bay City News