(KCBS Radio) —Arson is suspected in a fire that killed one person and injured four San Jose firefighters on Sunday.
Authorities believe the deadly fire was linked to an individual who had reportedly threatened to burn down several business on Santa Clara Street between First and Second streets.
Not long after those alleged threats were made, smoke could be seen billowing from the building housing those businesses.
San Jose Fire Captain Mitch Matlow told KCBS Radio the emergency response was hindered, because the individual was inside the building and possibly armed.
"We moved very slowly. The police were outside ready to come in to assist us. We never found anybody," he said.
The fire then spread from a liquor store to an adult entertainment business in the building.
"We were fighting fire on three floors," Matlow said.
Once the fire was under control, firefighters discovered a body in the building's basement.
"We don't know if that is the person who was making the threats or not. We suspect that it is, but that's under investigation, as is the cause of the fire at this point," said Matlow.
Four firefighters were hurt, authorities said.
