Rehab Home Resident Admits To Starting South Bay House Fire: Officials

PALM CITY, CA - A woman was taken into custody after an apparent arson fire damaged a Palm City rehabilitation home today, leaving one resident with smoke-related injuries, authorities said.

The blaze in the 2200 block of Donax Avenue erupted about 11:30 a.m., according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

While dousing the flames, firefighters rescued a man trapped in a back bedroom, SDFRD Capt. Joe Amador said. Medics took him to a hospital for evaluation of respiratory trauma. It took crews about 20 minutes to extinguish the blaze, which heavily damaged a front room in the single-story residence and caused smoke damage throughout.

A woman who lives at the home admitted to intentionally igniting the fire and was taken into custody by police, the captain said. Her name was not immediately available.

Investigators set the monetary losses at $100,000 to the structure and $20,000 to contents.

The American Red Cross was called in to help the displaced residents arrange for interim lodging.

The home was described as a rehab facility, but Amador said it was unclear what type of clientele it serves.

• Also see: 2 Navy Destroyers Named For Local Military Heroes Coming To San Diego

--City News Service