Seal Beach fire that killed man and dog was set deliberately, police say

SEAL BEACH – A fire that killed a 67-year-old man and his dog was deliberately set, Seal Beach police said Monday.

The blaze that broke out just after midnight Saturday killed John Doelly and his mixed-breed pet, according to Seal Beach police Sgt. Phil Gonshak.

A police dog found evidence of an accelerant outside the two-story duplex in the 200 block of 17th Street, prompting investigators to consider it an arson fire, Gonshak said.

Police were looking for neighbors to provide surveillance video that might help investigators, Gonshak said.

He said detectives are “encouraging anyone who knew of any issues” Doelly may have had with anyone else to call investigators, who are awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death. Doelly lived alone, the sergeant said.

Anyone with information was asked to call Detective Pete Krok at 562-799-4100, ext. 1110.

The fire caused an estimated $500,000 in structural damage and about $20,000 in damage to contents, said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi.

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