Man arrested after allegedly leaving propane barbecue unattended, sparking Foster City fire: police
FOSTER CITY, Calif. (KGO) -- A man has been arrested after allegedly leaving a propane barbecue unattended, which sparked the devastating 6-alarm Foster City fire that injured firefighters and left more than 50 families displaced on Sunday, according to police.
The suspect was taken into custody after an investigation determined that he had allegedly left the barbecue unattended on his first-floor patio.
RELATED: Propane barbecue caused devastating Foster City condo fire, officials say
We are not releasing the suspect's name because he has not yet appeared in court.
Residents returned to the Sea Spray Lane complex Thursday to assess the destruction. Entire units were gutted, parts of the building were charred, walls were blown out, and personal belongings, including children's school supplies, were scattered throughout the property.
Alfred Tolentino, who lives in the complex in a building across the street from the one that burned, said reports about the cause of the fire had circulated since the day it happened.
"We heard that rumor from day one, and it's very upsetting. Now, I hope that the other tenants will be diligent about use of anything fire-related outside," Tolentino said.
Tolentino provided a photograph of a propane barbecue taken after the fire, though it has not been confirmed whether it was the grill that sparked the blaze. He said gas grills are not allowed at the complex.
The California Fire Code prohibits open-flame cooking devices from being operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction unless they are protected by a sprinkler system, which the complex was not.
The suspect also faces additional charges, including obstructing a police investigation.
Officials have not released details about the allegation.
RELATED: Foster City condo complex damaged by 6-alarm fire could collapse; had no fire sprinklers: officials
City crews posted signs indicating the property has been red-tagged, and that entry is prohibited because of hazardous conditions.
Tolentino said his garage flooded as a result of water used to fight the blaze.
"There was about 6-7 inches of water with debris from the burning building. Graduation photos washed up, personal items, and just pieces of debris, so that was disturbing to see," he said.
Emergency crews have warned of the danger of a total building collapse.
The entire building has been red-tagged, and barriers remain in place to keep people a safe distance away.
Residents continue to cope with the aftermath of the fire and the loss of their homes and belongings.
The Red Cross has been helping people displaced by the blaze.
