Two families make dramatic escapes from house fires in Atascadero
This story has been updated.
Two families were displaced by house fires in Atascadero Thursday — one caused by a fallen tree that struck a power line and another required the rescue of a trapped elderly woman, according to the Atascadero Fire Department.
An early-morning fire ignited at a home in the 9400 block of Santa Lucia near Los Gatos Road. Investigators suspect a fallen tree struck a power line, causing a power surge and spark in the laundry room, according to a city news release.
Six people were inside, according to Battalion Chief Bill White.
White told The Tribune the father woke up to find the power out around 6:45 a.m. He thought there had been an earthquake from the rumble of the noise, but quickly discovered flames and was able to lead his family to safety.
Firefighters soon arrived to find the back of the house engulfed in flames with heavy smoke throughout. Crews broke through the garage door to attack the fire in a laundry room and bathroom, successfully halting its progress within 45 minutes, the city said.
Still, heavy smoke damage led to estimated damage around $250,000.
Hours later and less than two miles away, another electrical fire led to a family desperately attempting to remove an elderly family member from a home in the 6900 block of Serra Ave around 12:30 p.m.., according to city Facebook post.
Atascadero police were nearby, responded to calls for help and pulled the woman out, White told The Tribune. She was treated at the scene by paramedics and then transported by San Luis Ambulance to Twin Cities Community Hospital in Templeton.
Flames were erupting from the front door and smoke billowed from the attic and roof. Everyone escaped uninjured, and firefighters fought the flames from outside until they get in to halt forward progress within about 25 minutes of their arrival, a press release says.
Investigators suspect the fire was caused when a faulty electrical outlet sparked near combustible materials, the press release says.
The damage is estimated at around $120,000 and the family has been displaced.
“It’s hard to have two house fires in one day in December with the holidays coming up,” White said.
Additional details about the second fire have not yet been released.
This story was originally published December 5, 2019 at 4:47 PM.
