Earlier today, we to say about the fire House on Walnut Street in Martinez.
The House, known around town as a “Home for Christmas” because of their decorating for the holidays, suffered about $ 350,000 in damages.
Contra Costa County Fire protection district responded to a fire in a two-story single family who lived at 3: 55 am this morning in the 900 block of Walnut Street in Martinez. The first fire engine arrived within 5 minutes of being sent and fully engaged in finding a home fire. Fire hose lines drawn to protect nearby homes and exposure from APIs. All occupants were able to get out of the House before our arrival. The residents of the House, four adults and a teenager, woke up to the fire by smoke alarms in homes but even with a notice it had very little time to escape and are forced to run through the area involved in the fire to get out of the House. One of the occupants were taken to a local hospital as a precaution for smoke inhalation.
It took a total of 17 fire engines from four engines and one ladder truck 70 minutes to bring the fire under control. The House was saved and exists adjacent no damage to the neighboring properties. The House was a total loss with damage estimated at $ 350,000. The American Red Cross is helping the residents with temporary housing.
The cause of the fire appeared to be the ignition combustible materials outside the home by the heat from coal or Pellet stoves exhaust system House. Given the extremely dry conditions we are experiencing today, homeowners are encouraged to maintain at least 10 feet of clearance around the chimney and fireplace insert exhaust free of flammable materials or dry vegetation.