Jul 4, 2009 5:21 pm US/Pacific
Neighbors Speculate On Cause Of N. Highlands Blaze
NORTH HIGHLANDS, Calif. (CBS13) ―
Neighbors heard fireworks as flames break out, but authorities still aren't sure exactly what's to blame for the fire that took the life of a North Highlands woman.
A solitary bouquet of flowers withering in the mid-day sun marks the address of the fatal fire. The morning after the fire, its cause remains a troubling mystery.
"I've been thinking about it all night long, and it's bugging the heck outta me because she doesn't smoke," said Ken Adkins, neighbor of home that caught fire.
Neighbors have their theories; one woman living two houses down claims to have heard fireworks go off.
"I heard 'boom boom boom,' like a gunshot," said Carrie Lopez, neighbor.
In the moments before she saw flames.
"I truly believe in my heart it was fireworks that did it. It seems too much of a coincidence," said Carrie.
"Nah. Nah, because I was right outside the house," said Ken.
Ken said he also heard fireworks, but only after the home was already engulfed.
"Evidently she bought some fireworks and put them on her coffee table and the heat ignited them," said Ken.
Neighbors know the homeowner as an elderly woman named Lynn. They say she kept to herself except when she'd come out to walk her two dogs."
Inside the house, firefighters discovered a body buried under a pile of debris and several dead pets.
"I feel bad for her -- trying figure out how to get out of her own house and it's on fire and she couldn't get out and she died," said Carrie.
If the fire was not caused by fireworks, then what was the cause? Investigators searching for answers have not ruled out the possibility that a lamp in the living room somehow sparked the fire.
More answers could come when the coroner's report is finished. By then, authorities should have a positive identity of the victim and should also know the cause of death.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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