Burning Package Investigated As Arson: Santa Rosa Fire Dept.

SANTA ROSA, CA — The Santa Rosa Fire Department is investigating a package that burned in an apartment hallway as arson. Firefighters responded around 4:15 p.m. Wednesday to a request for
medical aid at 200 S. E St. The person who called the fire department said a package in the hallway of his apartment ignited and caused a fire, but he put it out with a portable fire extinguisher, Battalion Chief Matt Dahl said.

Firefighters found the burned suspicious package and called for fire investigators and Santa Rosa police. The fire department's hazardous materials response team took samples from the area and conducted tests to classify the materials for an arson investigation.

The burning package caused smoke stains and heat damage to the walls and ceiling of the hallway, Dahl said.

— Bay City News Service