Resident arrested in Santa Rosa homeless shelter fire

Santa Rosa police arrested a 53-year-old woman suspected of starting Monday’s fire at a residential care facility.

The woman apparently used a lighter to start a small blaze about 4:40 p.m. in an upstairs bedroom of the Pressley Street home in southeast Santa Rosa, according to Santa Rosa police Sgt. Marcus Sprague.

Eleven residents and staff members got out of the house and one male employee who suffered smoke inhalation was treated at the scene, according to a Santa Rosa fire official.

Four fire engines and one ladder truck, with 18 firefighters, responded and the fire was under control in 10 minutes and held to the bedroom.

The center, Opportunity House, is a homeless shelter for people with severe mental illness.

The woman, whose name wasn’t released due to mental health issues, was arrested on suspicion of arson and violating probation. She was booked into the Sonoma County Jail.

Flames caused about $30,000 in damage.

You can reach Staff Writer Randi Rossmann at 707-521-5412 or randi.rossmann@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter@rossmannreport.