Rage Fueled Arson Fire Leaves 8 Homeless, Man Arrested: Santa Ana Police

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA — The alarms rang out at just before 8 p.m. when a house fire was reported on the 1000 block of West Washington Avenue, according to Orange County Fire Authority. One neighboring residence was also damaged in the fire.

Police are saying the arson fire was apparently set out of rage over a recent divorce.

Though no one was injured, a family of eight was displaced in the blaze and as of Friday morning, a 35-year-old man was in custody on suspicion of setting the non-injury fire.

The fire was reported just before 8 p.m. Thursday.

"A two-story single- family home was well involved at the time of arrival," said Capt. Larry Kurtz of the Orange County Fire Authority. "The intense blaze forced firefighters into a defensive posture, battling the flames from outside the structure. There were no injuries."

Before the fire broke out, Santa Ana Police officers responded to a family disturbance call from the house pertaining to a recent divorce, said Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.

"When they arrived, the man was inside breaking stuff," Bertagna said. "The man then went to the back of the home and while officers were devising a plan to deal with him, he set the home ablaze and came running outside, where he was taken into custody."

Flames were visible through every window of the home when firefighters arrived.

"OCFA crews were assisted by City of Orange firefighters. A total of about 30 firefighters took part in the operation," Kurtz said. "A second home received minor damage."

The suspect, whose identity was mot immediately released, is facing two counts of intentional arson.

"The investigation is ongoing but there's enough evidence and witness statements to bring charges against him," Kurtz said.

Fire officials were trying to determine what the man used to start the fire, he said.

The American Red Cross is assisting the eight people who were displaced from the home, which was a total loss, according to Kurtz.

Orange County Fire Authority photos