Fire at Santa Rosa shelter for mentally ill believed started by resident

Monday blaze at Opportunity House shelter may have been caused by one of the clients, officials said.|
MARTIN ESPINOZA
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Santa Rosa fire officials are investigating a possible arson fire Monday afternoon at a homeless shelter for people with severe mental illness in southeast Santa Rosa.

Firefighters were alerted to the fire at Opportunity House at Pressley Street and Rutledge Avenue at 4:40 p.m. At the scene they saw smoke coming from several second-floor windows of the two-story house, which had 11 occupants, including seven clients.

Fire officials said the resident believed to have started the fire in a second-floor bedroom was in custody. Santa Rosa police and fire officials are investigating the fire’s cause. Damage was estimated at $30,000.

The American Red Cross is assisting in relocating the other residents.

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