Suspicious package burns, blows out windows at Santa Rosa apartment complex

A suspicious package caught fire in the stairwell of a nine-unit apartment complex near downtown Santa Rosa on Wednesday afternoon in what authorities called a suspected arson attempt.

Santa Rosa Fire Department received a medical call about 4 p.m. from the intersection of South E and Tupper streets.

It quickly turned into an investigation regarding the package that burned in the stairwell, damaging both doors to the hallways, the light fixtures and blew out the windows, Assistant Fire Marshal Paul Lowenthal said.

“It appears it was an actual arson attempt,” Lowenthal said.

Officers from the Santa Rosa Police Department were dispatched and along with firefighters, many in hazmat suits. When they arrived, they were met by a tenant who used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. There were no injuries, though the fire caused an estimated $10,000 in damage, the Santa Rosa Police Department said.

“Santa Rosa Fire Hazardous Materials Response Team members sampled the remnants of the package and determined it was likely ignited with a flammable liquid or accelerant,” Lowenthal said.

Power was interrupted in the nine apartments and residents were cautioned about staying in their homes.

“There was minor smoke damage to their units, but overall they will be fine after required cleanup,” he said.

Resident Quentin Perez said he had just arrived home from work, when he saw black smoke coming out of the windows of the building.

“It was definitely thick enough smoke to smell,” said Perez, who moved into the small complex in January. “It was really scary, especially after all the fires we have had, now your first instinct is to just try to help out and provide support.”

Law enforcement had no leads on a suspect on Wednesday night.

You can reach Staff Writer Alexandria Bordas at 707-521-5337 or alexandria.bordas@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @CrossingBordas.