RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE FIRE

On Wednesday morning at approximately 9:53 a.m., the Santa Barbara Police Department’s Combined Communications Center received a series of 911 emergency calls for smoke inside a residential home in the 700 Block of Spring Street.

Santa Barbara City Fire Department responded with four engines, one ladder truck, HazMat/Air and Lighting vehicle and Battalion Chief in response to the incident.

The first arriving engine company found smoke and flames showing from a residential structure. A “working fire” was declared and additional firefighters were dispatched to the incident.

Officer Adrian Gutierrez, assisted by a business owner, safely removed one person from the structure before the arrival of the Fire Department. The victim sustained smoke inhalation and other injuries. All other occupants were safely evacuated from the home.

Firefighter assisted in evacuating a family of dogs, including puppies, from an adjacent structure as a safety precaution, due to the amount of smoke.

The fire was brought under control within minutes. The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical in nature by the Fire Investigators.

The Santa Barbara City Fire Department would like to remind everyone that working smoke detectors save lives, should be located in every room, checked frequently and placed in common areas in your residence.

In addition, make sure that a qualified electrician does all electrical work. Do not use extension cords across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use only. Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets so you do not have to use extension cords. For more fire safety information, go to NFPA.org.

Photo courtesy of the City of Santa Barbara Fire Department.