Man cleared of charges for devastating Foster City condo complex fire speaks out about case

FOSTER CITY, Calif. (KGO) -- A Foster City man who was recently cleared of criminal charges after being accused of unlawfully causing a condominium fire that displaced about 150 residents and injured firefighters recently spoke with ABC7 Eyewitness News about the case.

Keith Tompkins said he was relieved after prosecutors declined to pursue criminal charges.

"No way am I an arsonist," Tompkins said. "Of course, it's the right thing, and it's a very big relief."

The August fire destroyed a condominium complex on Sea Spray Lane, leaving dozens without homes and forcing them to rebuild their lives after losing their belongings.

Tompkins was arrested after investigators alleged he caused the fire. However, criminal charges were dropped about two weeks ago.

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"Clearly the fire started on his balcony," said San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe. "There was no doubt about that. And it seems logical, since he himself acknowledged that he left his propane barbecue on and left the house."

Fire investigators ultimately listed the cause of the fire as "undetermined."

Wagstaffe said the propane grill that allegedly sparked the blaze was destroyed, limiting investigators' ability to determine a definitive cause. Even so, Wagstaffe said prosecutors found no evidence of criminal conduct.

"What he did, Mr. Tompkins did, was negligent, and it was wrong, and he might be subject to lawsuits from those residents there at that complex. But for criminal negligence, for it to rise to the level of a crime, one has to intend to do it," Wagstaffe said. "And there's no evidence whatsoever. Actually, it's the inverse. He was very sorry and remorseful when interviewed by the police."

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When, asked whether he left the grill on the day of the fire, Tompkins said he could not remember.

"I said, 'I don't know. So that's what I'm saying," Tompkins said. "That's the whole. I can't remember. I don't think I did.'"

Although Tompkins has been cleared of criminal wrongdoing, there is the potential that he could still face lawsuits from other residents affected by the fire.

Tompkins responded to that possibility by saying, "It's too bad that they feel that way."

MORE: Propane barbecue caused devastating Foster City condo fire, officials say

He also defended his character.

"I am a good person, and God will prevail. The truth will prevail. I'm a good person. The people that don't know me, you're hating on the wrong guy. I am a very loving person," he said.

With many condos destroyed, Tompkins is among those now rebuilding their lives after the fire.

The Foster City Council declared a local emergency so that the "impacted residents may be potentially eligible to receive all State financial assistance."