The fire inspector visited the woman Monday at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. McMullin, who lives alone, admitted she started the fire in an attempt to commit suicide. She was going to be evicted on April 30 because of disputes with neighbors.
"It is a devastating event," Foreman said. "It's one of those that's really difficult to wrap your mind around, being that desperate to make a decision like that."
Foreman said McMullin barricaded herself in her room, poured gasoline on her mattress and belongings, lay down on her bed and flicked on her lighter, which ignited the vapors that had built up in the room. Then she tried to escape through the bedroom window, the fire inspector said, but the woman's son kicked the door in and dragged his mother out of the burning building, saving her life.
The fire inspector said her organization is working with the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office and Sonoma County's mental health services to get McMullin the help she needs.
Three other families lost their homes in the fire. "This is such a tragedy for everybody involved," Foreman said. "I don't believe she had any intention of harming anybody other than herself."
The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office is still investigating the blaze in conjunction with medical personnel and Sonoma County's fire task force, said Sgt. Cecile Focha of the sheriff's department. Their findings will be sent to the district attorney's office.
McMullin might be charged with arson, Focha said. "We're still evaluating all the circumstances," she said.
Fire officials estimated property damage to be as much as $500,000, which includes the building itself and the belongings in the four apartments.
