Fire destroys abandoned duplex in Santa Rosa

Investigators suspect a fire that destroyed an abandoned duplex in Santa Rosa early Wednesday was ignited with a candle or another open flame lit by transients seeking shelter, authorities said.

Santa Rosa Fire Battalion Chief Jack Piccinini said transients had at times used the unoccupied duplex at 550 Olive St. for shelter, although no one was present at the time of the fire.

Neighbors spotted flames coming from the roof at about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday at the duplex in the far northeastern corner of the Roseland neighborhood, near the interchange of Highways 101 and 12, Piccinini said.

The duplex was engulfed in flames when crews arrived and the blaze threatened nearby homes and other structures. Firefighters began an exterior attack, bringing the blaze under control within about 20 minutes, the battalion chief said. The fire spread to a fence but did not damage any nearby homes, Piccinini said.

The roof and floor of the duplex were heavily damaged, making it tricky work for fire crews who stayed on the property for about four hours dousing hot spots and debris that continued to burn.

Investigators estimated the damage at about $40,000.

You can reach Staff Writer Julie Johnson at 521-5220 or julie.johnson@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @jjpressdem.