SAN RAMON, CA – The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District responded to a single story house fire located at 33 Yale Court in San Ramon this afternoon, December 20, 2009 at 4:10 p.m. A total of six engines, two trucks, a paramedic ambulance, a breathing support unit, four chief officers and one fire investigator were dispatched to the scene. Crews from Station 39 arrived to find the home fully involved with fire.
Firefighters immediately began a defensive exterior attack to protect neighboring homes. Crews were able to contain the fire in under an hour.
The homeowner reported to firefighters that there was gunpowder in the home. The gunpowder likely intensified the fire and contributed to the decision to fight the fire from the exterior of the structure.
Eight people were home at the time of the fire and all, along with the family dog, were able to escape safely. There were no injuries reported.
The fire originated in the front bedroom and the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The structure sustained approximately $300,000 in damage and $50,000 in content loss.
“Everything in a house is replaceable, except the occupants,” says Fire Marshal Christina Jamison, “Smoke detectors save lives, always make sure you have working smoke detectors in your home by testing them monthly.”
San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District reminds residents to make sure they have working smoke detectors on every level of your home, outside all sleeping areas and in all bedrooms. Test each smoke detector once a month and change the batteries twice a year when you change your clocks for daylight savings time.
