On Saturday evening, several 911 calls were made to report a fire. Callers described smoke and flames coming from the home. Central Fire Protection District was dispatched along with automatic aid from Santa Cruz City Fire Department and Aptos la Selva Fire Protection District.
Upon arrival, firefighters saw flames on the roof of the two story home. A quick primary survey revealed extensive fire in a room located in the rear of the home. Fire had extended through a sliding door to the back wall and roof as well. Firefighters made an attack on the flames at the rear of the home while a second crew fought the fire from the front entrance. A primary search of the home confirmed that all of the residents had exited the house safely.
The family dog was found, frightened by the fire, in the back yard. Luckily, Capitola Police Department’s canine officer was on scene helping to direct traffic. He was able to calm the dog and return him to his owners.
Before the fire was extinguished, it managed to spread from the room of origin to the space above and to the roof. There was heat and smoke damage throughout the home with the exception of a first floor bedroom, a second floor closet and the garage.
Fortunately, there was a working smoke alarm in the home which provided an early warning so that all four family members escaped without injury.
Total time to contain: 20 minutes. Total time to control: 45 minutes.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined due to extensive fire damage at the area of origin. The fire is classified as accidental. The area of origin is the living room located at the rear of the home.