WVFD: Willows fire was ‘human-caused’ and ‘suspicious’

Glenn County Observer

The fire that destroyed a multi-family dwelling at 143 North Yolo Street, Willows, Tuesday morning was both “human-caused” and “suspicious,” the Willows Volunteer Fire Department reported on Wednesday.

According to the press release issued by Chief Nathan Monck:

On April 22, 2025, at approximately 0509 hours [5:09 a.m.], the Willows Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire in the 100 block of North Yolo Street, Willows, California.

First-arriving units reached the scene within five minutes of dispatch and encountered a single-story, multi-family residence with heavy fire showing from two sides of the structure. An adjacent apartment complex was also immediately threatened.

Crews initiated a primary search of units that were not boarded up and began an offensive interior attack to locate the fire’s origin and identify any possible victims.

During the initial firefight, a partial roof collapse forced crews to withdraw and transition to a defensive fire strategy. The primary objectives of this approach were civilian and firefighter safety, and confinement of the fire to the building of origin – which was successfully achieved.

An investigation conducted by members of the Willows Fire Department determined that the fire was suspicious in nature and human-caused. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

The building involved was a condemned property and has been the subject of long-term code enforcement activity. Despite numerous attempts – at significant taxpayer expense – to secure the building and bring it into compliance, the structure remained occupied by unauthorized persons.

Fire units performed an interior search during the initial phase of the fire due to this known occupancy. Over the last 18-24 months, the occupants were repeatedly offered services and alternative housing, all of which were declined.

The Willows Fire Department extends its sincere gratitude to all mutual and automatic aid partners who responded and assisted during this incident.

Anyone with information related to this fire is encouraged to contact the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office at (530) 934-6431.