BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Bakersfield Fire Department is seeking the public’s help identifying the people or person involved in the arson incident earlier this month.

Bakersfield FD is investigating an arson fire that occurred at Mariscos Las Islitas Mexican Restaurant, located at 1601 Panama Lane, the department said in a press release on Thursday.

The fire broke out on Wednesday, July 15, around 1:40 a.m. when an unknown person or persons threw six Molotov cocktails through the restaurant’s windows in an attempt to set the establishment on fire.

The fire was contained before causing severe damage to the building.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Bakersfield Fire Department’s arson investigators at 661-326-3699.

The department said information leading to the identity of the suspect or suspects could be “critical” to the investigation.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.