Crime & Safety

Updated Total on Recent Suspicious Fires: 56

Fire and law enforcement officials believe an arsonist is on the loose.

The revised number of fires believed to be set by an arsonist over the past three days is 56.

Deputy Chief Eric Nickel of the said 20 to 30 percent of those were so small that they extinguished themselves, but that’s still an awful lot to investigate by fire and police officials.

“Doing this is very brazen, especially out in the open and doing it on well-lit-moon nights,” Nickel said Monday afternoon.

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The figure released Monday morning — — was 23 to 26. The first fires were .

Nickel said investigators are doing a standout job to pinpoint the fires and mutual aid from other fire and law enforcement agencies is working out well.

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“We have a fresh shift on today and extra resources just in case,” he said. “We are working very closely with law enforcement on this.

“The relationship we have with police is very strong, but we also have a great relationship with our community. When we say ‘We need your help’ through Facebook or the media, they really respond. Novato is such an amazing community and the residents will always rally for these types of things.”

Nihad Erigat Peavler is among the homeowners on the alert. "We saw investigators in Lynwood Hill park ...  before I knew what was going on," she wrote to Novato Patch. "My eyes are definitely peeled for anything."

Nickel said he has never seen this many fires believed to be set by an arsonist in this short a time, “and that’s in 20 years for me.”

Novato police have asked residents to report suspicious activity by calling 911897-4361 during the day or 897-1122 at night. Also, anonymous tips can be left at 1-800-848-0101.


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