No Criminal Charges After Arrest In Massive SMC Condo Fire: DA

FOSTER CITY, CA — No criminal charges will be filed against a man arrested after a propane barbecue was left unattended and sparked a massive fire at a Foster City condominium complex last month, the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.

San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said the investigation determined the man had no intent to start the fire.

The decision comes about a month after the six-alarm blaze tore through the Sea Spray Lane condominium complex, leaving about 150 people without a place to live and causing extensive damage to the property.

Police arrested the man after investigators determined that an unattended propane barbecue was involved in the fire, according to authorities.

Despite the arrest, prosecutors concluded there was not sufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges because the investigation found no intent to start a fire.

The massive blaze drew a response from firefighters across San Mateo County and injured several firefighters. Four firefighters were treated for injuries following the fire, according to the San Mateo County Fire Department.

The fire left dozens of families displaced and raised concerns about the challenges of finding temporary housing for residents who lost their homes.