North Highlands Home Bursts Into Flames Overnight; Arson Suspected

NORTH HIGHLANDS (CBS13) — At first Sacramento Metro firefighters thought the overnight blast may've been caused by a natural gas buildup. Now they're saying it was arson.

Firefighters say a home on Grattan Way just off Watt Avenue exploded around 3 a.m. Wednesday and burst into flames.

Investigators say an undetermined "ignitable liquid" was found in the North Highlands home in places it shouldn't be. CBS13 was told there are no obvious signs of forced entry, but Sac Metro is confident someone caused the explosion.

"It blew the windows out to the street, up our driveway, up our neighbor's driveway," neighbor Eric East said. "It was a pretty big explosion. Sounded like it does in Iraq right now -- just boom."

Crews first feared a family was trapped inside overnight. They began rescue operations while simultaneously attacking the ensuing fire.

However, that family, including a young child, wasn't home. It turns out they were overseas.

"They're really nice people so I'm glad they weren't here because from what I heard, it would not have ended good," neighbor Anthony Werner said.

East spent part of Wednesday morning sweeping up shards of broken glass that flew into his driveway. He felt the explosion from his home across the street.

The affected family will have to find somewhere else to stay. They're due back from vacation soon, but it wasn't clear if anyone had actually told them what happened.