Possible Arson Fire Seriously Damages 4 Businesses In Vista

VISTA, CA — Four businesses were seriously damaged Sunday in a possible arson fire and residents of a nearby apartment complex had to be evacuated.

Around 2 a.m., deputies from the Vista Sheriff's Station discovered a fire in the alley behind the 400 block of North Santa Fe Avenue, said Sgt. A. W. Moses of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

The fire had quickly spread to at least four nearby businesses, Moses said.

Firefighters from the Vista Fire Department, Carlsbad Fire Department and Oceanside Fire Department were able to control and put out the fire, the sergeant said.

The fire appears to be suspicious, he said.

Smoke from the fire forced families to evacuate a nearby apartment complex, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Detectives from the Sheriff's Bomb-Arson unit were handling the investigation.

— City News Service