Arson Investigator Says Furniture Store Fire 'Likely Arson'

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – A two-alarm fire that destroyed two Sacramento businesses overnight was likely intentionally set, according to fire fighters.

Fire crews were called to a store on 65th Street and Sky Parkway just before 1:00 Monday morning.

They arrived to find Galaxy Furniture and a tools outlet engulfed in flames.
"The furniture store is loaded with combustibles. Once fire started moving, it can move pretty rapidly when its got that heavy of a fire load inside," Sacramento Metro Fire Asst. Chief Walt White said.

After using, 4,000 gallons of water, the fire fighters were finally able to get the fire safely out.

Fire crews used lessons learned in fighting a previous fire right next door. In June 2008, the Nail Depot went up in flames. Fire fighters were forced to scramble for safety when the roof caved in.

This time, there would be no close calls. Once crews determined nobody was trapped inside, fire fighters fought a defensive battle.

"I commend the officers for quickly going into defensive mode and not getting into a position where we have crews inside," said White.

Sac Metro's arson investigator says it looks like someone used a welder to slice through the metal shutter in the back to get into the building. He says the fire is like arson.

Damage is estimated at between $500,000 to $750,000.

The business next door, Nails Depot, is still boarded up after the 2009 fire. There is no word on whether the owner of Galaxy Furniture will rebuild.