A large cadre of firefighters was called out in Santa Maria early Thursday to a suspected arson fire that broke out in two apartment building carports, destroying or damaging as many as 20 vehicles.
Crews 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 CalFire.
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.
He estimated 8-10 vehicles were destroyed, with another 8-10 damaged. Adjacent carports on each end also sustained minor damage.
The Fire Department is investigating the fire, Austin said, including collecting video evidence from various locations.
He declined to discuss what was used to start the fire.
The Santa Maria Police Department is assisting in the investigation.
There were no suspects as of midday Thursday, Austin said.
Check back with Noozhawk for updates to this story.
