House Fire Leaves Neighbors Relieved

La Mesa neighborhood complains of noise, fighting, suspicious activity

Neighbors near a La Mesa home and rental unit that went up in flames Friday say they're glad no one was hurt in the blaze and also relieved that the residents of that troubled property are now "hopefully gone for good."

Those neighbors say there was constant noise, fighting, and suspicious activity at the property, located on the 4700 block of 70th Street. They say 10 or more people were living in the home, rear apartment and sheds in the back yard.

On Monday, the area around those buildings was still stacked 3 or 4 feet high with charred newspapers, boxes, vehicles and other items charred by Friday's fire.

One neighbor said he and other homeowners have complained to La Mesa city hall for 10 years about that problem property but feel the city ignored their concerns.

The man who lived in the front house on the property, identifed by one neighbor as George Langford, is due in court this afternoon on charges related to negligent care of an animal.

A La Mesa police department spokesman said no arrests have been made related to the fire, and La Mesa Fire officials have not returned phone calls seeking updated information on the cause of the fire and their investigation.

But one neighbor who talked with a firefighter said he was told that the fire was "suspicious" and is being investigated as an arson.

 

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