After more than a year since the Diamond Fire ripped through North Scottsdale, causing panic among residents and threatening homes, investigators have now deemed the cause of the fire undetermined. Witness reports and records obtained suggest a 15-hour delay in securing the suspected origin site, leading to a compromise in the integrity of the scene and a lack of physical evidence.
Residents in Rio Verde claimed to have seen construction crews working near the site of the fire’s origin, fueling suspicion about the cause. Brittany Morris, one of the affected residents, vividly recalls the chaos that ensued as her family evacuated their home while her husband fought the encroaching flames.
Despite their home surviving the blaze, it was left covered in fire retardant, resulting in a $55,000 cleanup bill. As Morris waits for a final determination on the fire’s cause to reclaim her deductible, frustration mounts at the lack of accountability from the responsible company.
Investigator Aaron Casem sheds light on the challenges faced during the investigation, citing the absence of a secured origin site as a major hindrance. He emphasizes the need for proper scene preservation to gather conclusive physical evidence.
As Scottsdale officials meticulously interview witnesses and construction crews, the lack of tangible evidence leaves the case at a standstill, much to the dismay of affected residents like Morris. The quest for accountability continues as the community grapples with the aftermath of the Diamond Fire.
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