Massive fire destroys home, damages 2 others in Casa Grande

‘It was a matter of time’: Massive fire destroys home allegedly used for squatting

A home in Casa Grande was destroyed by a fire that is now being investigated as suspicious. FOX 10's Jacob Luthi learns more about how the explosion impacted two neighboring homes and displaced multiple families.

CASA GRANDE, Ariz. - A massive fire, caught on camera, destroyed a house in Casa Grande, and damaged two others.

What we know:

Casa Grande officials responded to a report of a house fire with explosions at around 10 p.m. on April 18, to find the home engulfed in flames. Crews had to navigate through heavy debris, including vehicles, trash and propane tanks. The fire spread to two nearby homes, displacing both families. 

The fire department said the person living in the home returned to the scene just after 6:30 a.m. on April 19, seeking treatment for burns on his hands. 

Casa Grande fire: Person living in home allegedly charged homeless fee to stay on property

After a fire with explosions destroyed a Casa Grande home, neighbors allege the property was used for unauthorized housing. FOX 10's Jacob Luthi learns more of what they're saying and how they're rebuilding.

What they're saying:

"I came home from work and dinner was sitting on the couch in my recliner watching TV. Okay. Pounding on the door. Your house is on fire," neighbor Robert Soto said. "I came out to the backyard to put water on it, and then a loud explosion knocked me backwards, and the police department was already here. Made me get out because I didn't want to leave. They handcuffed me to take me out because I wanted to put water on it."

Soto, who lost his home as a result of the fire, said his family has been raising concerns about the property for years. He said a smaller fire broke out four years ago, and the city promised action, but nothing changed.

"I kept calling the city, complaining about the building and this and that, and they kept saying, well, we got a case open on this case, open on it," he said. "And they never did nothing."

Dig deeper:

Code enforcement said the person living on the property had been charging homeless people a nightly fee to stay there. 

Soto said, at times, as many as 20 people were living there, and he personally witnessed drug use, tents, and other activity on the property. Other neighbors told FOX 10 the home had no running water or electricity, and that the people living there were forced to defecate outside, or throw waste into nearby trashcans. 

"People kept coming in and out, in and out, and they're doing drugs," he said. "I was seeing and doing drugs to get girls all doped up. And then they taken in their house and burned up the parts and no telling what they did to them."

Soto's niece, Desiree Hernandez, said she's frustrated at the city of Casa Grande and the lack of help they've received. 

The family spent Saturday night picking up the pieces of the home Soto grew up in, saying the loss was fully preventable. 

"They said that they've known for a long time how many lives they promise straight up. Told me last night we knew what was going on," Soto and Hernandez both said. "They said it was a matter of time. He's innocent. He has his home completely gone and they're back."

What we don't know:

It remains unclear what started the fire due to the intensity and damage. 

What you can do:

Anyone with information on the fire is asked to contact the police or fire department. 

The family has set up a GoFundMe to help rebuild after the fire. 

What's next:

Due to the intensity of the fire, the cause is being considered suspicious.