Fatal Ventura fire deemed arson by investigators

VENTURA, Calif. -- Ventura Police are investigating a Sunday-night arson that resulted in a death on Tuesday.

The Ventura City Fire Department responded to a fire on the 900 block of Burlington Avenue at 11:05 p.m.

The homeowner, identified as 93-year-old Curtis Baker, died Tuesday night at a hospital. He was removed from the residence during the fire through a bedroom window with the assistance of bystanders, according to police.

His wife and six other tenants lived at the house. Five residents were injured. A firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation.

Investigators determined the fire was incendiary in nature and originated in the garage of the 2-story residence.

The Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office has conducted an autopsy and the exact cause of death is pending further investigation. Based on the cause of the fire and the resulting death, VPD Major Crimes Investigators are continuing the investigation as an arson/homicide investigation.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to call Ventura Police Department Investigators at (805) 339-4462.

Damage to the structure was estimated at $150,000, with $75,000 worth of contents destroyed.