Santa Ana Fire Probed as Arson

A fire that damaged a 100-year-old Santa Ana home Saturday night is under investigation as a suspected arson, fire authorities said. There were no injuries.

The fire at the house in the 1600 block of West Edinger Avenue was reported at about 9:43 p.m., said Battalion Chief Bill Zastrow.

Fire crews battled the fire for about three hours, and a damage estimate was not immediately available. The dining room and kitchen areas of the two-story home were destroyed, but the outer shell of the home is intact.

The home was unoccupied at the time of the fire and had recently been vacated by its owner, said Alan Caddell, a watch commander for the Santa Ana Police Department. The house was scheduled to be demolished, Zastrow said.

The house is not visible from the road because of heavy foliage and trees. It had been boarded up as a safeguard against trespassers looking for a secluded hangout.

A friend of the owner said he was devastated by the loss but declined further comment.