Arson suspected in apartment complex fires that destroyed or damaged up to 20 vehicles

As many as 20 vehicles were destroyed or damaged early Thursday in two suspected arson fires that broke out at two apartment building carports in Santa Maria.

Firefighters responded shortly before 1 a.m. to the fire at the Summergate Garden Apartments at 1125 W. Morrison Ave. near Blosser Road, according to the Santa Maria Fire Department.

They found two carports and their associated vehicles engulfed in flames at opposite ends of the complex, city Fire Marshal Jim Austin told Noozhawk.

A second alarm was then issued, bringing in additional firefighting resources from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and Cal Fire.

The fires “definitely were determined to be intentionally set,” Austin said, adding that it took about an hour to control the flames.

No injuries were reported.

This story was originally published May 29, 2025 at 3:43 PM with the headline "Arson suspected in apartment complex fires that destroyed or damaged up to 20 vehicles."