By Sara Beth Williams–
Two fires occurred mid-week behind Sylvan Oaks Library, just over 12 hours apart.
The first fire ignited Wednesday morning, spreading quickly throughout a homeless camp that was discovered in the greenbelt behind Crosswoods Community Park, nearer the Christ the King retreat center.
Citrus Heights Police officers initially responded to a notification of a homeless camp in the greenbelt, and while on scene, a fire ignited in the camp. The homeless camp was unoccupied at the time.
Sacramento Metro Fire crews extinguished the fire, which scorched about half an acre, and burned some trees, police said. No buildings were immediately threatened.
The second fire began in the middle of the night on Wednesday, in the middle of the greenbelt behind Sylvan Oaks Library and Crosswoods Community Park. Police said the second fire was not due to any homeless encampment or activity and was smaller than the earlier fire.
No buildings were in danger Wednesday night, though police did issue warnings regarding the fire to those who lived in a court behind the greenbelt when the fires were active, according to police radio scanner traffic.
Citrus Heights Police said Thursday evening that no suspects or persons of interest were identified, and the cause of both fires is not yet known at this time.
