KCBA - Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz - News Weather-Tenants Still Displaced From Monterey Fire

Tenants Still Displaced From Monterey Fire

MONTEREY, Calif. - It's been nearly three weeks since a suspicious fire erupted at an apartment complex on David Avenue in Monterey. And, tenants are still not allowed to return to their homes.

According to the Tyler DeMeuse, who lived in that complex, about 30 people are still not allowed to go back into their homes. In fact, the complex is boarded up, so no one can enter.

Right now, they aren't letting anyone back in because of issues with the sewer system and hot water heater.

DeMeuse says, at the time of the fire, he was only able to salvage four pairs of tennis shoes and a cell phone charger. He lost his computer, family photos, credit cards and even IDs. 

He's one of five tenants, who's home was severely damaged. The others had smoke damage. Not only did he lose his home, but also his car, all of this leaving him now very vulnerable.

"Afterwards when you lost everything, you really don't feel like anyone because you don't have any thing to show for," says DeMeuse. "I can't even show anyone an ID. The fire investigators told us it was set intentionally, and obviously you feel scared, if I didn't wake up and my apartment was on fire, I could have still been in there."

Luckily, he did receive help from the American Red Cross and has renter's insurance. He's also in the military so for the time being, he's currently staying in one of the barracks at the Defense Language Institute.

Meantime, most of the tenants have found other accommodations, either staying with friends, staying in hotels or have moved into other apartments.

According to Monterey Police, the investigation is still ongoing and they have no new updates.