Maidu Park Fire May Have Been Set Intentionally

Roseville officials say a fire that scorched 30 acres in Maidu Park and damaged five homes is suspicious, and are asking for anyone with possible leads to come forward.

"There are reports of juveniles running from the origin of the fire," the city said in a press release Friday evening. "Fire investigators are on scene now.  If anyone has information about the origin of the fire, please call 774-5000."

Of the homes damaged in the fire, two were severely damaged, two moderately so, and one home had a gazebo burned.

"Of the two severely damaged homes, one was vacant," the city said. "The family from the other home is safe and have shelter provided by their insurance company.  Of the two moderately damaged homes, one family was away at the time and have not returned. The fire department is making contact with the other family."

The full press release from the city follows:

Maidu Park Grass Fire Update

A grass fire at Maidu Park in Roseville began this afternoon at 2:25pm.  The fire grew rapidly due to heavy winds.  The fire is surrounded and now close to full containment.  There have been no injuries, although 5 structures were burned.  Of those, 2 are severely damaged homes, 2 moderately damaged homes and 1 burned gazebo in the backyard of another home. 

Of the 2 severely damaged homes, 1 was vacant.  The family from the other home is safe and have shelter provided by their insurance company.   Of the 2 moderately damaged homes, one family was away at the time and have not returned.  The fire department is making contact with the other family.  The homes burned were on Bremington Court and McLaren Drive.

30 acres were burned, mostly grassland open space on the eastern side of the park.  The Maidu Library and Community Center; Maidu Museum and Maidu Elementary School were not damaged.  There were some children at the Elementary School but they were never in danger.  P Events at the park were canceled for tonight but are expected to go on as planned Saturday.   Some homes on Johnson Ranch Road and McLaren Drive were evacuated for a short time but are no longer.

Many other fire agencies responded, including Sac Metro Fire, Cal Fire, Rocklin, South Placer, Loomis, Penryn Fire.  At the peak, approx. 180 fire fighters were fighting the fire.  Overnight, 70-80 firefighters will be on scene continuing to put out hot spots and cleaning up. 

The fire is considered suspicious.  There are reports of juveniles running from the origin of the fire.  Roseville Fire investigators are on scene now.  If anyone has information about the origin of the fire, please call 774-5000.