'Mrs. Doubtfire' House Catches Fire, Arson Suspected

The iconic house featured in the 1993 Robin Williams movie "Mrs. Doubtfire" caught fire with investigators doubting the incident was a mere accident. 

The Los Angeles Times reports that arson is suspected. 

According to San Francisco police officer Albie Esparza, the homeowner of the Victorian home located in the 2600 block of Steiner Street called the police and fire investigators when he smelled gasoline and later discovered that his front doormat was on fire.

Fortunately, the flames were quickly doused and no injuries were sustained. However, the home did suffer minor damage to both the garage and front door.

Reuters notes that per the authorities, the incident may have been caused by a former patient (unidentified) who may have been at odds with the homeowner, a physician.

"We're looking at a former patient of the doctor who lives at the residence as a person of interest," said Esparza. "There was a previous interaction between the two just prior to the fire. That information was provided to us by the homeowner. We're aggressively pursuing those leads."

The news outlet further reported that the home was purchased by Dr. Douglas K. Ousterhout, a plastic surgeon who specializes in procedures on transgender people, in 1997. Ironically, the good doctor commented "last summer he was the perfect person to own a house featured in a movie about a man who disguises himself as an elderly female nanny," reported Reuters. 

The infamous home became a temporary memorial for the late actor who committed suicide August of last year. The front steps of the house was filled with flowers, photographs and cards with hundreds of mourners passing through to pay their respects and remember the comedian. 

Since the film "Mrs. Doubtfire," the home has been a popular tourist destination in San Francisco for fans, often stopping by to take photographs outside, reported Mail Online. 

Built in 1906, the home was sold for $ 1.4 million in April 2000. 

Williams, aged 63 at the time of his death, struggled with addiction, recalls Mashable. As a precautionary measure, prior to his death, he was undergoing rehab as a precautionary measure. His previously attended rehab in 2006. 

The late actor has spoken abut his challenges with addition and admitted being a heavy cocaine user in the past. 

"Mrs. Doubtfire" was a film about a father, separated from his wife, who disguises himself as a nanny in an attempt to spend time with his children and reconcile with his wife.