Firefighters Make Quick Work of Atherton House Fire

ATHERTON, CA – Fire officials are crediting a homeowner's quick response and fire crews' fast work with stopping the spread of an Atherton fire early Thursday.

According to Menlo Park Fire Protection District Chief Harold Schapelhouman, the incident was first reported at 2:26 a.m. on Shelby Lane by a homeowner who found their back porch on fire.

Fire crews arrived on scene within six minutes and discovered the garage and deck ablaze, according to Schapelhouman.

"The Fire crew reported that they had knocked the fire down by 2:42 a.m. but the fire had also charred the exterior of the residential structure up to the second story eve line, so an extensive check for fire penetration into the homes attic and walls was done," he said in a fire report.

By just after 5 a.m., crews were able to clear the scene, but they are still working to determine the cause.

"It appears that the homeowner found the fire just in time and the quick response of the firefighters and knock down of the fire kept this from being a much worse situation," Schapelhouman said.

In total, 21 fire personnel assisted with the incident. No injuries were reported.

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