OLIVEHURST (CBS13) – Investigators are saying that the fire that destroyed a barn-style home in Olivehurst was intentionally set.
The fire started around 2:30 a.m. on Mage Avenue, off of McGowan Parkway, between Highway 70 and Highway 65.
Crews say they had to wait over a half hour before they could put any water on the home due to live power lines at the scene. PG&E was called and, after 35 minutes, the lines were de-energized, allowing for a more aggressive attack.
Firefighters were able to contain the flames to the house. The structure is a total loss, however.
Investigators with the Wheatland Fire Department announced later Wednesday morning that they had found something in the middle of the home that suggests the fire was intentionally lit.
A neighbor tells CBS13 that the owner of the home passed away three years ago and the house has been sitting unoccupied with all its contents still inside.
"It was sad because he was a good neighbor to us," said neighbor Carol Cooper. "I just looked up to the moon tonight, I always look up there every once and awhile ... and I know that he's looking down."
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