SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) - Several fires that ignited across San Diego County last week are under investigation. One cause being considered is the possibility that the fires were started by homeless people.
Firefighters responded to four fires in the final few days of the week, starting with a fire that was reported the afternoon of Thursday, May 17. Police said 12 people were living inside the abandoned former El Cajon Police Headquarters. Firefighters said they also found at least one dead animal inside. Several people were questioned at the scene and placed in handcuffs. It's not known whether they were arrested and if they will face charges.
The next fire was reported at a house in the 300 block of 1st Street in El Cajon the morning of Saturday, May 19. Firefighters were forced to fight the flames from the outside because the home wasn't stable enough for them to enter. No injuries were reported, however the property was severely damaged.
A few hours later, firefighters were called to the 100 block of Fletcher Parkway, which was the second fire in that location in the last three days.
Firefighters believe Thursday's fire and the fire on 1st Street in El Cajon were started by homeless people cooking or using a fire to keep warm.