Fire Damages Home; Displaces Residents In Oceanside

OCEANSIDE, CA — Fire damaged a two-story home, displaced its residents and injured one person in Oceanside, authorities said Friday.

Firefighters were dispatched at 6:15 p.m. Thursday to the residential fire, where the first engine on scene found light smoke coming from the home on the 5100 block of Cobalt Way, according to the Oceanside Fire Department.

Crews searched for victims and were able to contain the spread to a second-floor bathroom shortly after arriving. One person received medical assessment for possible light smoke inhalation and then was released, the department reported.

Residents displaced from their home were provided food and shelter with assistance from the Red Cross. It was unclear how many residents were in need of shelter.

Hazmat units were also called to assist with the identification, removal and proper disposal of lithium-ion batteries found damaged within the home.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

The OFD reminded residents that "early action and awareness can save lives."

In the event of a fire, evacuate immediately, call 911 and do not attempt to fight the fire unless it is small and there is a clear escape path, they added.

— City News Service