Authorities Investigate Arson, Electrical Fires In Ventura

VENTURA (CBSLA.com) — Crews Tuesday investigated two separate structure fires that erupted overnight in Ventura.

The first fire broke out shortly after 2 a.m. in a commercial retail complex located in the 9200 block of Telephone Road in East Ventura, according to the Ventura Fire Department.

Upon their arrival, firefighters found the store's sign burning, which extended to the outside wall of the building.

A fire sprinkler subsequently triggered, and prevented the flames from further extending until firefighters arrived on scene.

The blaze was completely extinguished, and a preliminary investigation revealed the cause of the fire to be arson, investigators said.

Meanwhile, a residential structure fire was reported around 2:38 a.m. at a hillside home located in the 4600 block of Foothill Road.

Authorities said some crews were sent from the scene on Telephone Road to the Foothill Road incident, which was located about five miles away.

When crews arrived to the scene, they located a fully involved garage fire that was extending into the upper floor and roof of an 1800-square-foot home.

A preliminary investigations revealed residents awoke to the sounds of the fire below their bedroom, and left the building as firefighters arrived to the scene.

Firefighters were able to contain the flames to the main body of the double garage, which was knocked down within 18 minutes.

Damage caused to the home was estimated to be $15,000 in contents and $25,000 to the structure.

Investigators determined a faulty outlet in the garage was the cause of the fire.

No injuries were reported in either incident.

At this time, no arrests have been made in connection with the Telephone Road fire.