Police Seeking Person of Interest in Suspicious Fire

Santa Barbara City firefighters are investigating a suspicious structure fire that broke out this morning. The fire started at around 2:30 Friday morning, in the 400 block of West Cota Street.

When firefighters arrived they saw a shed behind a home that was fully engulfed in flames. Bicycles and tools were among the items that were destroyed in the shed. Firefighters hosed the surrounding area of the home to protect nearby houses. One home near the fire was damaged as a result of the heat.

Before the fire broke out, the homeowner confronted a drunk man who was sitting on his front porch. Shortly after chasing the man away, the homeowner noticed the fire starting in his backyard.

The investigation is on going, but firefighters believe the shed was intentionally set. Police are trying to locate the suspicious man for questioning.

23480980