3 Displaced By Duplex Fire In Petaluma

PETALUMA, CA — Three people were displaced by a fire Tuesday at a Petaluma duplex but the outcome could have been much worse if there wasn't a working smoke alarm, fire officials said.

Firefighters were dispatched at 11 a.m. Tuesday to a report of a residential structure fire in the 400 block of 6th Street and arrived within 3 minutes, acting Petaluma Fire Department Battalion Chief Greg Taylor said in a news release.

The first engine crew on scene was met with heavy smoke coming from one of the garages and the sound of a fire alarm.

"Crews worked quickly to knock down the fire, which had extended into the living area of one of the units but were able to keep the fire from spreading into the second unit of the duplex," Taylor said.

Only one resident was home at the time of the fire and was able to escape without injury.

Luckily, there were no injuries to firefighters, and no pets were living in either unit of the duplex, Taylor said.

Although there was no fire damage to the second unit of the duplex, the unit did have heavy smoke damage. Both units were deemed uninhabitable, and a red tag was placed, Taylor said.

The American Red Cross responded to help three displaced residents with shelter needs.

PG&E responded to the scene and removed power from the duplex.

As of Wednesday morning, the extent of damage was still being evaluated and the cause was under investigation by the Petaluma Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau.

The incident was an opportunity to remind citizens that having working fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and sprinkler systems can be the difference between loved ones being able to escape in an emergency, Taylor said.

"The Petaluma Fire Department wishes to thank Petaluma Police, Petaluma Building Department, Rancho Adobe Fire District, and Cal Fire for their hard work and support during this incident," Taylor said. "We would also like to thank Rancho Adobe Fire District Sonoma Valley Fire for providing station coverage to ensure the city was protected."