Fair Oaks Fire Ruled Arson Case; Flames Started In Three Separate Spots
FAIR OAKS (CBS13) — Fire investigators say they have no doubt that a fast-moving grass fire that threatened homes near Fair Oaks on Wednesday was intentionally set.
Firefighters say the wind-driven fire started in three separate spots and creeped up the bluffs near Fair Oaks toward homes above.
"I could have lost my home, and my animal, I couldn't get animals out," said Jean McKinnon.
She's lived in her home since 1978 and she spent Wednesday evening praying the fire didn't take her home. Now she's learning the blaze was intentionally set.
"It upsets me tremendously because these places go up like match boxes," she said.
Sac Metro Fire Capt. Michelle Eidam says arson investigators have determined that the fire was set in three separate locations along the bluffs.
"We absolutely want to find who is responsible, because we don't want them to do it again. They put lives in danger yesterday," she said.
She credits homeowners clearing defensible space for helping spare the homes. She says investigators are now asking for any information from the public that could help in finding the suspect or suspects.
"It is not just doing something that is a silly prank, it's putting people at absolute risk, in harm's way, that is wind driven, and blowing through the area that people live in," she said.