Crime & Safety

Vacant Home Damaged During Early Morning Fire

The Richmond home is being used by transients, according to fire officials.

A fire broke out early this morning at a vacant home in North Richmond that was apparently being used by homeless people and was damaged in at least one prior blaze, fire officials said today.

Crews responded around 3 a.m. to the home in the 400 block of Market Avenue and found smoke coming from the boarded-up building, according to fire officials. Firefighters also found evidence that homeless people had been using the home, but no one was found inside.

Crews were able to get the fire under control in about 30 minutes, according to Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Capt. George Laing. No injuries were reported in the blaze.

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PG&E personnel responded to the scene to remove the home’s gas meter and disconnect power and Contra Costa County sheriff’s deputies provided traffic control in the area. Fire investigators are looking into what caused the blaze.

—By Bay City News

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Photo: 400 block of Market Avenue in Richmond. Map Courtesy: Google Maps

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