Woman and Children Injured Lake Forest House Fire

A woman and her son and daughter were injured and two of the family’s pets were killed today in a Lake Forest house fire.

A malfunctioning outlet strip sparked the 5:10 a.m. blaze in a home on Carriage Drive between Belcrest and Mystic Way, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi said.

The occupants -- a mother, father and their 15-year-old daughter and 12- year-old son -- were sleeping upstairs when the blaze activated smoke alarms, Concialdi said.

The woman and children sustained smoke inhalation and first- and second- degree facial burns while escaping from the residence.

The father tried to put the flames out with a fire extinguisher, Concialdi said, but by that time, however, was “too big.”

About 55 firefighters had the blaze under control by 6 a.m., he said. The family’s dog and cat perished in the blaze.

Investigators estimated the damage at $600,000 to the structure and $350,000 to its contents, and damage to the home next door at $30,000, Concialdi said.

City News Service

Photos: OCFA