Blaze Displaces 5 People Plus Dogs, Cat, Koi, And 'Oscar' The Fish

PETALUMA, CA — An early morning fire that started in a backyard shed displaced five residents, four dogs, one cat, several koi, and Oscar, a fish.

The fire broke out about 8 a.m. Monday morning in a backyard outbuilding attached to a home on the 800 block of Ely Boulevard South, according to the Petaluma Fire Department.

Petaluma firefighters found heavy smoke and flames coming from a side yard. The fire was burning in an attached outbuilding in the backyard.

Firefighters had the fire under control within 15 minutes. No injuries were reported, according to the department.

Crews remained on scene for several hours conducting overhaul operations to put out all remaining hotspots and assist with salvage efforts. Pacific Gas & Electric conducted a utility safety assessment.

The Red Cross was called in to assist with relocating the residents and their pets.

The department said residents and businesses should use caution when charging and storing lithium-ion batteries, avoid overloading extension cords, and always identify at least two ways out of a building in case of emergency. Practicing exit drills, officials noted, can significantly reduce evacuation time during a fire.

The Petaluma Fire Department thanked 911 callers, cooperating residents, on-scene police, and supporting fire agencies.