Investigation Continues Into Roseville Fire; Some Residents Could Be Displaced For Months
ROSEVILLE (CBS13) - As arson investigators continue to determine whether or not the suspicious Roseville grass fire was man-made, displaced homeowners are learning it will be a long time before they can return home.
More than 30 hours after a portion of Maidu Park went up in flames, firefighters are still monitoring the area over concerns of major fire danger.
The Roseville Fire Department is working with both Cal Fire and the Roseville Police Department to catch the people who may have been responsible for starting the fire.
Lori Riffice already had adjusters looking at the damage done to her home. Her family may not be able to spend Christmas at home this year, saying they may be displaced for up to six months.
"We'd be a little more comfortable in a home than a hotel," she said.
Riffice doesn't know yet how much the damage done to her home is, but says she's confident investigators will catch whoever might be involved.
"They suspect children. I feel sorry for them. They have to live with the guilt. It's a hard lesson to learn, not to play with fire," said Riffice.
All four homes with damage had one thing in common -- shake roofs. Neighbor Scott Bennett has the same roof and is looking into possibly upgrading.
"As I looked around and noticed all the roofs are tile, it was a concern for sure," he said.
Riffice's roof may not be fixed until next year; and despite being temporarily displaced, she's looking on the bright side.
"We're really lucky. Our kids are fine. This really is just stuff. Everything is going to be replaced. We're lucky we have insurance. It's going to take some work between now and then," she said.
Fire officials say the damage could total to upwards of $1 million and if children are found to be responsible, then their parents will be held financially responsible.
