A string of small but suspicious fires lit up the early-morning dark today around Sharp Memorial Hospital, sending security and city crews racing across Health Center Drive, Linda Vista Road and nearby side streets. Officials said the blazes, which included several brush and trash fires and a tree burning at the curb, were quickly brought under control, and no injuries were reported.
What happened
San Diego police said calls started coming in around 4:05 AM about multiple fires in the area of Health Center Drive and Linda Vista Road. Responding crews found several small fires scattered across the hospital campus and surrounding blocks.
According to investigators, two of the fires were on Linda Vista Road, three were along Health Center Drive and another small blaze was discovered near Meadowlark Drive and Birmingham Way. Crews also came across oil burning on concrete and trash on fire at a bus stop. Security guards managed to put out some of the brush fires before firefighters arrived, and authorities are now reviewing six incidents, as reported by FOX 5 San Diego.
Response and investigation
City fire crews checked for hot spots and worked alongside police investigators as they canvassed the area and reviewed surveillance and phone video. Officials called the fires suspicious because of how close they were in both timing and location, and they are treating the scenes as part of a single, connected investigation. Per San Diego Fire-Rescue, crews remained in the area to ensure everything was fully secured.
Suspect detained
A driver told police they saw a man in dark clothing set a tree on fire and then walk south on Health Center Drive, according to officers at the scene. Police said they detained a man in the area at about 5:12 a.m. Investigators believe the incidents are linked due to the close proximity and suspicious nature of the blazes, and they are continuing to interview witnesses and review video footage, as reported by FOX 5 San Diego.
How you can help
No injuries were reported in the overnight fires. Police are asking anyone with information, photos or video to contact San Diego Crime Stoppers at 619-235-8477 or to submit an anonymous tip through the organization’s website. More details are available at San Diego Crime Stoppers.
Investigators remained in the area Sunday morning as officers and fire crews wrapped up their on-site work and canvassed for additional witnesses. This story will be updated if officials release more information.
