Jan. 23--Yuma firefighters were dispatched to the same residence twice within hours for fires that were determined to have been the result of arson.
When firefighters arrived on scene of the first call, just after 10 p.m. Tuesday evening, Yuma Fire Department spokesman Mike Erfert said they found a portion of the fence, a picnic table and contents of a wheelbarrow on fire, and quickly extinguished the blaze before much damage was caused.
The fire, he said, was determined to have been intentionally set, and the investigation was turned over to the Yuma Police Department.
A few hours later, just before 3 a.m. Wednesday morning, firefighters were sent to the same residence regarding a house fire. This time when they arrived on scene, Erfert said they found a gate on fire with flames extending into an attached garage.
The home's occupants had evacuated the residence and the fire was quickly extinguished. The fire was stopped before it could enter the home and the damage was limited to the gate, eaves of the house and a small portion of the garage.
The home was able to be reoccupied. An adult female occupant of the home was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center for breathing difficulties possibly related to exposure to the smoke.
Yuma Fire Department investigators determined that this fire was also intentionally set and YPD personnel continued their criminal investigation.
"Responding to the same residence within a matter of hours is very unusual and would bring the incidents under suspicion," Erfert said.
Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call YPD at (928) 783-4421 or 78-Crime (to remain anonymous).
Copyright 2013 - The Sun, Yuma, Ariz.
