Arson suspected in San Bernardino brush fire that destroyed 3 homes

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KABC) -- An arson investigation is underway after a brush fire destroyed three homes in San Bernardino over the Fourth of July weekend.

The fire originated along Kendall Drive and quickly raced up an adjacent hill on July 2, officials said.

Investigators with the San Bernardino County Fire Marshal's Office said that the blaze was deliberately set.

Three homes were considered fully destroyed, while two were heavily damaged, fire officials said.

"Those investigations have pointed our people in the direction, it is now an arson investigation," said Eric Sherwin with the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

Resident Grace Elliott's home was in the fire's path.

"And I was just like wailing, wailing, and just watching my patio burn, everything, and I said 'that's it, my house is gone,'" Elliott said.

Elliott's home only suffered moderate fire damage, but her next door neighbors lost everything. Their home has been tagged unsafe.

"It is so disgusting. How could somebody do that on purpose? Destroy so many lives," Elliott said.

Noemi Solano is the newest resident to Skylark Drive, and her home was not damaged during the fire.

"Well, it is scary because we're still up here, and maybe it could happen again," Solano said.

Investigators are asking for people with any information to contact the WeTip Hotline at (800) 78-CRIME.