Arson investigators with the Bakersfield Fire Department believe homeless people may be to blame for a fire at a vacant southwest apartment that caused $25,000 damage.

Danny Brown, a battalion chief with the fire department, says it happened at around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday south of Wilson and South Real roads.

“There was forced entry into the apartment – it was definitely suspicious in origin,” he said. “It was started on a stovetop.”

Brown says no injuries were reported, and the fire was contained to the apartment of origin.

It was out in less than 90 minutes.

– Anthony Pollreisz