Fatal Fire Was Arson, Police Say
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REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — A fire that killed nine people trapped behind burglar bars in their East Palo Alto home last month was deliberately set, investigators confirmed Tuesday.
The blaze, the deadliest residential fire in San Mateo County history, began in a carport April 26 when someone poured a flammable fluid over the homeowner’s Cadillac and ignited it, investigators said.
The fire spread to the home where 78-year-old Verna McKean lived with a dozen family members. McKean survived, but nine residents died, including five children.
Firefighters were hampered by burning cars, which blocked the entrance to the home, and two Rottweilers that kept rescuers at bay. Burglar bars with no emergency releases covered the doors and windows, preventing many of the victims from escaping.
“We have ruled out all natural and accidental causes,” said San Mateo Sheriff’s Sgt. Don O’Keefe. “The cause has been listed as incendiary--arson.”
O’Keefe said investigators have interviewed several dozen witnesses.
“None of the interviews so far have directed us to a person or persons who are responsible,” he said. “We have no suspects right now.”
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