With assistance from the Arson Task Force of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), investigators were able to determine the fire's exact point of origin. "Physical evidence at the scene coupled with eyewitness accounts helped us to confirm the circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire," said Salinas Fire Department Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal Samuel Klemek. "According to witnesses, a homeless male was seen lighting a fire in a ventilation opening in the sidewalk at the front entrance of the building in an apparent effort to create a makeshift cooking pit." 

"When confronted by employees from the neighboring Victory Mission, the man fled the area while the employees attempted to snuff the flames with fire extinguishers. By this time, the fire had established into the interior of the building through a ventilation opening in the floor, and quickly spread to the second floor of the boarded-up structure," Klemek said. 

The fire was reported to Monterey County 911 dispatch just after 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 18th, and quickly grew to three alarms, prompting a request for mutual aid resources from the Monterey Peninsula and North County. The fire took over seven hours to control and prompted the evacuation of neighboring buildings including the Victory Mission, which fortunately suffered only superficial damage. 

Chief Klemek reported that the building changed ownership in 2007 and is currently owned by RANN L.L.C., which also owns other properties in Chinatown and other areas of Salinas. Investigators were able to confirm that the building was not covered by insurance at the time of the fire, and total damages are estimated at approximately $325,000.

 

Klemek says that the man seen lighting the cooking fire may go by the names of "Jesus," "Buddah," or "Pablo." He is Hispanic, in his 50's, approximately 5' 5" with a thin build, and is known to frequent the Chinatown area. Anyone with information about him should contact the office of the Salinas Fire Marshal at (831) 758-7422.