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Thousand Oaks, CA – Arson fire at Planned Parenthood facility is extinguished by sprinkler system

Authorities today are investigating the arson fire late Wednesday night in the lobby of the Planed Parenthood facility in Thousand Oaks.

The fire alarm sounded at 11:28 p.m. in the building at 1200 Hillcrest Drive, said Capt. Mike Lindbery of the Ventura County Fire Department, and only one engine responded because it was a commercial building and not a residence.

“When they arrived on scene, they found a window broken out and a fire sprinkler system functioning,” Lindbery said. “Upon further investigation, they discovered the smell of gasoline in the room, and it appeared a small fire had broken out and it had been extinguished by the sprinkler system.”

Firefighters shut off the sprinkler system and called the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, which is leading the investigation.

Investigators have a brief video of a suspect but they cannot tell if it was a man or woman.

“One suspect approached the clinic and used the rock to break the glass and tossed an accelerant inside and ignited it,” said Capt. John Reilly of the sheriff’s department.

“We have a brief video of someone walking by the location wearing a hoodie and face mask completely concealing (their) identity. Judging by the walk, they think it was a male.”

The broken window has been boarded up and a Planned Parenthood official said the office was closed but will open again, although no date was given, Reilly said.

The damage to the facility is still being assessed. Reilly said fire officials told him that the water from the sprinklers did more damage than the fire.

The fire comes as the organization is the focus of a contentious nationwide debate about government funding of Planned Parenthood.

This week Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards faced tough questions from Republicans at a congressional hearing about the organization’s business practices.

The battle broke out in July when videos were released by a group of anti-abortion activists who claimed Planned Parenthood has illegally profited from the sale of fetal tissue.

Wednesday night’s attack drew a sharp response from Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.

“The toxic rhetoric directed at Planned Parenthood has dangerous consequences. It sends a signal that using violence to close clinics and intimidate health care professionals and women is ‘OK.’ It is not,” she said in a statement.

“I’m grateful that no one in Thousand Oaks was hurt. My thoughts today are with the clinic’s staff, who provide compassionate care in spite of challenges no health care provider should have to face.”

Amy Everitt, state director at NARAL Pro-Choice California, also castigated the arson attack.

“This is domestic terrorism, plain and simple. Extremists who will stop at nothing to deny women legal abortion services. We have seen numerous examples of violence against abortion providers across the country over the last few years and we call on all, no matter what side of this debate you may fall on, to condemn this horrendous action.”