Fire Starts In Chicken Coop, Spreads To Garage, Home In Vacaville

SOLANO COUNTY, CA – Vacaville firefighters quickly controlled a fire that started in a chicken coop and spread to the roof of a garage and residence this morning, a deputy fire chief said.

The fire at 685 White Oak Lane was reported at 10:30 a.m. and controlled in 15 minutes, Deputy Chief Alan Hartford said.

The cause is under investigation, but it appears accidental and is possibly connected to electric heating lamps in the chicken coop, Hartford said.

The occupants were home at the time and got out of the house safely, and it appears all the chickens were out of their cages when the fire broke out in the 12-square-foot coop, Hartford said.

Flames from the detached chicken coop that was up against the house spread to the attic of a garage and the main two-story residence, Hartford said.

Firefighters pulled down ceilings and opened the roof to prevent the blaze from burning the interior of the home. It's unsure if the residents will be able to return to the home, Hartford said.

The Vacaville Fire Protection District and Fairfield Fire Department covered calls for service to the Vacaville Fire Department during the fire, Hartford said.

Firefighters were still mopping up early this afternoon.

The blaze is a reminder to have safe heating systems in place for any pets that are housed in outdoor structures this winter, Hartford said.

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--Bay City News/file photo