Authorities Investigating Pasadena House Fire As Arson
PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — Authorities are investigating a massive fire that engulfed a Pasadena home on New Year's Eve.
Neighbors heard a loud noise Tuesday night and emerged from their homes to find an abandoned house engulfed in flames on the 800 block of N. Oakland Avenue.
"When I heard that I thought that it was a bomb," said neighbor Jaime Garcia, who said his windows shook from the force.
Minutes later, many captured cell phone video of heavy smoke and flames that quickly spread through the abandoned property.
Authorities say the fire is suspicious and are not ruling out foul play. Investigators are looking at possible incendiary devices that may have been used.
The prior owner, reportedly a Vietnam veteran, lived in the home for more than 40 years. He recently died, and it is unclear if his home was ever cleaned out after his death.
Police are looking into whether squatters may have played a role.
Longtime residents told KCAL9's Suraya Fadel the home came to be known as an eyesore on the block. According to Garcia, the former owner had several old cars and motorcycles in the driveway.
"He never, never took care of it," said Garcia.
No injuries were reported in the blaze.
