Sacramento Fire Department investigators are searching for a suspect who is believed to have started several small fires this afternoon along the American River near Highway 160.

Assistant Chief Kim Iannucci said the first crew responded about 2:40 p.m. to a fire on the north side of the river near Northgate Boulevard. Firefighters arriving at the scene reported fires on the south side of the river as well, and a second crew was dispatched to the area near Richards Boulevard, Iannucci said.

The fires were largely contained by about 4 p.m., although crews continued to mop up hot spots.