Firefighters respond to SLO County house fire allegedly set by resident
Editor’s Note: This story mentions suicide.
Fire crews and law enforcement were responding to a San Miguel house fire that was allegedly intentionally set on Monday afternoon.
The occupant of the home was believed to have set fire to the building as a suicide attempt, according to San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tony Cipolla.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to the incident and the individual was detained, Cipolla said.
The fire started at about 11:40 a.m. on K Street between 11th and 12th streets, according to the emergency response app PulsePoint.
San Miguel Fire Chief Scott Young said once the scene was cleared by deputies, firefighters were able to access the fire which had spread to two buildings.
Nearby homes were being evacuated as crews worked to contain the fire, according to emergency scanner chatter.
Young said the primary residence was damaged “likely beyond repair” while the second building sustained some minimal damage. No injuries were reported, he said.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 988.
You can also call the Central Coast Hotline at 800-783-0607 for 24-7 assistance. To learn the warning signs of suicide, visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
This story was originally published June 3, 2024 at 12:13 PM.
