News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Residential Fire Arson Investigation Underway (Update 3)

Residential Fire Arson Investigation Underway (Update 3)

By Michael P. Neufeld
Thursday, July 17, 2008

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Update 3 — Thursday 11:31 a.m.

Lake Arrowhead, CA – "Arson investigators have questioned a person of interest following last night's fire on Rocky Point Road in Lake Arrowhead," according to Sergeant Robert O'Brine of the Twin Peaks Sheriff's Station.

Sgt. O'Brine told RIMOFTHEWORLD.net arson and bomb investigators were working with Twin Peaks detectives on the case relating to the fire that broke out just before 7 p.m. Wednesday at a home that was in the process of being remodeled.

An arson investigation is underway relating to a residential structure fire Wednesday night at 165 Rocky Point Road in Lake Arrowhead. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

"We have an ongoing investigation," Sgt. O'Brine explained. Firefighters arriving at the scene of the incident were told by a reporting party a white male subject with dark hair and wearing a denim jacket or shirt was seen walking away from a nearby residence when the fire broke out. A second individual was described as wearing a green Army shirt and pants and deputies were notified the two were walking towards the lake.

Officers made contact with the person or persons or interest late Wednesday and concluded their initial investigation at 2:45 a.m. this morning.

A person of interest has been questioned regarding a house fire in Lake Arrowhead Wednesday night. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

"While arson investigators haven't released the exact cause of the fire," Sgt. O'Brine stated, "they believe it was definitely arson."

The fire was knocked down by San Bernardino County firefighters who spent about two hours mopping up after the incident.

The home is located on the banks of Lake Arrowhead and is accessed on a very narrow road with few fire hydrants.

The unidentified contractor doing the remodeling of the home reported his crews left about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday but that he had "a very long evening."

Update 2 – Wednesday 10:04 p.m.

Lake Arrowhead, CA – At 10:04 p.m. scanner reports indicated mop up operations at the residential fire in the 160 block of Rocky Point Road in Lake Arrowhead were completed.

An arson investigator was summoned shortly after firefighters arrived at the two-story, single-family residence. The home was reportedly under construction.

San Bernardino County Fire knocked down the fire that was mostly on the second floor of the residence and also dealt with a small vegetation fire next to the structure. Scanner reports reveal the vegetation fire involved one pine tree.

The first engines on scene reported smoke on all sides of the structure and Station 92 transmissions reported smoke visible as they left their station on Highway 173.

Update — Monday 7:30 p.m.

Lake Arrowhead, CA — An arson investigator has been summoned to the structure fire in Lake Arrowhead that is now reportedly under control.

However, scanner reports indicate firefighters are still finding flames in the attic area.

Original Story — Monday 7:12 p.m.

Lake Arrowhead, CA — A residential structure fire in Lake Arrowhead has now reportedly spread to nearby trees.

San Bernardino County Fire units reported being able to see smoke as they left their stations and headed to Rocky Point Road.

A wood structure is fully involved. The US Forest Service has been summoned for the vegetation fire.

160 Block of Rocky Point Road