2 Homes Damaged In Explosive Early-Morning Fire: Santa Rosa FD

SANTA ROSA, CA — An explosive fire caused major damage early Tuesday morning to two Santa Rosa homes and prompted authorities to temporarily evacuate residents from 12 homes.

The Santa Rosa Fire Department responded at 3:47 a.m. to a report that several structures were on fire in the 2300 block of San Miguel Place — near Piner and Fulton roads — SRFD Battalion Jason Jenkins said.

"During our response we received reports of gun shots heard in the area," Jenkins said. "Initially fire units were directed to stage a block out while Santa Rosa Police Officers confirmed that the scene was safe."

No more than a minute later, officers determined there were no shots fired; the reports were likely related to explosions coming from the fire, Jenkins said.

Firefighters proceeded to the scene where two homes — 2308 and 2312 San Miguel Place — were ablaze.

"The fire appeared to have started between the two homes and spread up the sides and into the homes," Jenkins said. "Crews stretched hose lines inside and around both homes to contain the fire."

Crews searched both homes and confirmed all residents had safely evacuated.

The fire was contained within 15 minutes.

"However, because the fire severed a gas line between the two houses, was severed a gas line between the two homes, which remained burning until PG&E could secure the gas," Jenkins said. "The fire caused the temporary displacement of 12 homes and power to be shut off to four homes so firefighters could safely conduct fire suppression."

The cause of the fire was determined to be improperly discarded rags used for staining.

The fire caused substantial damage, with an estimated $250,000 loss to each of the two homes.