Contra Costa Times
MENLO PARK, Calif. — A vehicle fire in a parking area underneath an apartment complex has been identified as arson, according to the Menlo Park Fire Protection District.
The fire at 785 Roble Ave. was reported shortly after 1:30 p.m. Friday.
The passenger compartment of a four-door Honda Accord was completely on fire when firefighters arrived on the scene, according to Fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman.
Residents were evacuated from the building and the fire was extinguished by 1:49 p.m. Schapelhouman said firefighters were able to keep it contained to the carport area due to the sheet rock separating the area from the residential section of the building.
There were no injuries and residents were able to return to their homes.
An investigation determined the fire was deliberately set by throwing an accelerant into the passenger compartment of the car. The car itself was stolen, and may have been used in a local crime, Schapelhouman said.
Menlo Park police are investigating.
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