El Cajon home catches fire for 2nd time in 2 years

A house in El Cajon has caught fire for the second time in less than two years, with the latest incident occurring early Wednesday morning. One person has been taken into custody in connection with the fire, which raises concerns about safety and security in the area. The first fire, which took place in April 2022, resulted in the tragic loss of three family members, including an elderly couple and their grandson. Although the house was supposed to be vacant, neighbors reported that squatters had been living there, taking advantage of the abandoned property. Ryan Mikha, who purchased the home last November, expressed his frustration over the ongoing issues with homelessness at the site and had been collaborating with local authorities to obtain demolition permits.

Fire officials suspect arson as the cause of the recent fire, citing video evidence that shows an individual lighting the flames. The growing problem of squatting in San Diego has prompted local leaders to address the issue as it poses risks to community safety. Efforts to secure the property and prevent future incidents remain a priority for both the owner and local authorities.