Three die trapped inside blazing home with security bars, California firefighters say

A suspicious house fire early Thursday in San Diego killed three people reportedly trapped inside by steel security bars on doors and windows, authorities say.

Neighbors told firefighters they could hear screams as flames engulfed the house at 6:15 a.m. — but could not reach the trapped residents, the Times of San Diego reported.

Firefighters found the bodies of three people near the front of the home after breaking through a front-door security gate, KSWB reported. They were apparently trying to escape the fire.

“Our firefighters are taking it really hard today,” Battalion Chief Chris Babler with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department told KNSD.

A dog rescued from the home was turned over to the Humane Society, KGTV reported.

Neighbors said security gates and bars had been installed three months ago in the Mountain View neighborhood home, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Police told the newspaper that arson is suspected.

“We are still trying to find out the circumstances that led up to the fire,” Lt. Matt Dobbs said, adding the home is considered a crime scene.

Firefighters said the blaze caused about $200,000 worth of structural damage to the house and $100,000 to the contents, KSWB reported.

This story was originally published April 1, 2021 at 1:04 PM with the headline "Three die trapped inside blazing home with security bars, California firefighters say."