San Francisco ( Chinese Consulate in San Francisco Attacked by Arsonist )

WASHINGTON – San Francisco authorities and the FBI are investigating an act of arson against the Chinese consulate there that caused a fire but no injuries, authorities reported.

The fire, which damaged the main door of the building, located in the Lower Pacific Height section of the city, was brought under control by firefighters shortly after it was reported at 9:33 p.m. Wednesday.

The consulate, in a communique posted on its Web page, said that an unidentified man parked a van in front of the building, poured gasoline from two containers onto the consulate’s gate and doorway and set it ablaze.

The incident was classified as “sabotage” on the consulate’s Web page, which urged U.S. authorities to investigate the attack and to guarantee the safety of Chinese diplomatic personnel.

“We strongly condemn this vicious, destructive act of arson towards the American consulate of China, which severely damaged the facilities and threatened the safety of consulate personnel and others,” the consulate said.