House fire considered suspicious

As CalFire investigates a fire that consumed a vacant residence and two outbuildings on Wednesday, the preliminary cause has been reported to be backfire from a vehicle, said Capt. Brian Besmet.

CalFire and Tehama County Fire received an emergency call at 12:53 p.m. and responded to the fire at 4495 Hall Road, where they found the vacant home to be fully engulfed by fire, and were unable to save two outbuildings that also burned in the blaze along with two acres of dry vegetation, Besmet said.

"We believe the dry grass caught fire and burned into the house," Besmet stated. "We believe the residence had been vacant for sometime. No one was injured in the incident."

Several fire engines from CalFire and Tehama County Fire and the Corning Volunteer Fire Department responded to the blaze.

The estimated damage is $136,000, according to Besmet.

The fire is still under investigation and Calfire is asking anyone with information to contact them at 528-5199.