Greenfield police investigate possible arson

UPDATE: 1/3/2018 5:47 p.m.

A massive fire woke up residents in a Greenfield neighborhood, early Thursday morning.

“It must’ve been about 1:30 in the morning or something like that,” said neighbor, “Big Joe” Cardenaz.

Neighbors captured video of the flames that tore through the home being built next door.

“It was a pretty big fire. The house is pretty much done. Everything fell down. Nothing is visible from here,” said neighbor, Abram Solis.

Greenfield Police said they are investigating the fire as arson. The Greenfield Fire Department wouldn’t comment on the details of the investigation, but did say the fire all but leveled the place. “When a house catches on fire that is under construction there is a lot of damage because all the bones are exposed,” said Greenfield Fire Chief, Jim Langborg.

The home was in the initial phases of completion, which is part of the reason neighbors said they would not be surprised to hear the fire was started on purpose. “It looks to me that it was just framing. There was probably no electrical wire going on in there yet. It was just a solid foundation, so someone had to have lit in on fire,” said Solis.

Others said the lot the house was being built on is just unlucky. Neighbors said homes on this lot have caught fire before. “A couple months ago I think. Even when people are living there it caught on fire, too.” said neighbor, Alexis Lasa.

Greenfield Police said no on was on the lot when they arrived.

Although no one was hurt neighbors still worry that the flames could have gotten out of hand. “Well, I have a daughter and she’s one. She means the world to me. So yeah, it made me pretty cautious,” said Solis.

Law enforcement came out to the lot, Thursday afternoon, to continue investigation. They ask anyone who may know what started the fire to contact Officer Tapia or Investigator Doglietto at 831-674-5111.

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A home went up in flames in Greenfield and now police suspect the fire was set intentionally.

Officers responded to the fire in the 300 block of 7th Street around 12:50 a.m. Thursday.

Police said nobody was inside the home and no injuries were reported.

Officers later conducted checks of abandoned homes throughout the city.

The police department said they are investigating this case as arson.

Anyone with information on the fire is asked to contact Officer Tapia or Investigator Doglietto at 831-674-5111.

KION’s Megan Meier will have more at 5 and 6 p.m.