Vehicle fire in Pinole not linked to other car arsons

PINOLE, CA -- A vehicle fire in Pinole early Sunday morning is not believed to be linked to a series of vehicle fires throughout Contra Costa County last month, a fire investigator said.

The blaze was reported at about 3:50 a.m. in the 500 block of Bantry Road, according to Pinole police.

Responding authorities found a red Toyota Tercel on fire in the driveway of a residence, police said.

No one was injured.

Capt. Randy Champion of the Contra Costa County Fire Prevention District said the fire is believed to be arson, but is not likely related to the spate of at least 20 vehicle fires in Richmond, El Sobrante and San Pablo in November.

"It's being looked at to determine if it is involved, but at this time it does not appear to be linked," Champion said. "There's no way to be absolutely sure."

Champion said he couldn't be more specific regarding why he doesn't believe this morning's fire isn't linked.

A Contra Costa County sheriff's lieutenant said Sunday that it's been at least a week and a half since the last vehicle arson fire believed to be linked to the series.

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