A trailer fire pressed up against a building at a Natomas shopping center sent one person to the hospital with severe injuries Wednesday afternoon, after fire officials said the person may have allegedly started the blaze and then been electrocuted. The fire broke out around 1:09 p.m. at 3625 Northgate Blvd., and fire crews managed to keep the flames from spreading to neighboring businesses.
According to FOX40 News, the Sacramento Fire Department responded to the trailer fire, which was burning “up against” a building in the shopping center. Fire officials described the cause of the fire as suspicious, and said they believe a person was electrocuted after setting fire to the trailer. The suspect was hospitalized with severe injuries that officials said were possibly caused by the electrocution.
What Happens Next for the Suspect
Fire officials have said they plan to arrest the suspect once the injuries are treated, per the same account. No further details about the suspect's identity or condition have been released, and it remains unclear exactly what ignited the fire beyond officials calling it suspicious.
Crews who arrived at the scene stopped the flames from spreading to nearby businesses, limiting the damage to the immediate area. One nearby business did sustain minor smoke damage, though the extent of that damage has not been detailed.
How California Law Defines Arson
Any eventual criminal case would likely hinge on California's arson statute. Under California Penal Code Section 451, a person is guilty of arson when they willfully and maliciously set fire to, burn, or cause to be burned any structure, forest land, or property, or aid, counsel, or procure such burning. Fire officials have indicated plans to make an arrest once the suspect's injuries are treated.
Wednesday's blaze adds to a string of trailer fires that have rattled Sacramento neighborhoods this year. In July, CBS Sacramento reported that first responders initially said one person was hurt after a trailer fire extended to a home in North Sacramento, then clarified that the person suffered exhaustion after trying to fight the fire with a garden hose, underscoring how quickly these fires can threaten people and property beyond the trailer itself.
