SAN FRANCISCO -- One man was in custody and several residents rescued from the roof after a pre-dawn fire erupted Friday in a building across from the old mint building in San Francisco.

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Officer Jay Kirchner was one of the first on the scene.

"We got a call of vandalism in progress at the intersection (in front of the building)," he said. "When we went around the corner, we saw flames coming out of the first floor window. We noticed a guy coming out of the building who was screaming, ranting, raving that he had something to do with the fire. He was carrying a jar with some kind of liquid in it."

"We detained him and then were told there were people in the building. We went up to the second floor and got a couple people out."

The fire department took over from there.

"As soon as we got here, we found a 2-to-3 1/2 story wall of flame and heavy smoke," a firefighter said. "Through the smoke we were able to spot a number of citizens on the roof. At least two of those people were rescued using a ladder."

Residents Molly and John Pecache said they were happy to get out safely.

"All we have left is what we have on our backs," Molly Pecache said. "I just thank God that we are okay. It's all materialistic, we're okay, we are fine. That's what is important."

The two-alarm fire was reported at 4:01 a.m. at 66 Mint St, and declared under control by 4:52 a.m.

No injuries were reported, and the American Red Cross was finding shelter for six people who were displaced.

The cause of the fire was under investigation, but arson may have been a factor.