Dump Truck Slams Into North Bay Home

PETALUMA, CA — A west-side Petaluma family and the guests they were expecting for Mother's Day weekend will be able to stay in their home despite a dump truck slamming into the structure Thursday afternoon, according to the Petaluma Fire Department.

Petaluma fire Battalion Chief Chad Costa said crews were dispatched to the incident at 3:18 p.m. Thursday and arrived to find a dump truck had crashed into the garage area of a three-story home at 1 Alexa Court in the Quarry Heights subdivision — known for its steep terrain.

No one was in the dump truck at the time of the incident, prior to which it was parked on a grade just up the hill from the residence.

"It appeared that the dump truck's brakes failed, allowing the truck to roll down the hill into the residence," Costa said.

No one was home when the crash occurred and no injuries were reported.

Petaluma firefighters, police and city building officials evaluated the structure and determined there was significant damage to an exterior wall.

Fortunately, Costa said, the damage was in an area of the home where no gas lines were present.

To stabilize the home, additional firefighters were called out to assist.

"Once the building was stabilized, the dump truck was removed at 5:52 p.m.," Costa said. "Additional stabilization occurred to the garage area. Firefighters then entered the structure and removed necessary items requested by the homeowner."

After shoring was in place, building officials re-evaluated the home and at 7:15 p.m. allowed the homeowners to re-enter their residence with the exception of the living area above the garage and the garage itself, which were red-tagged.

"The effort by the Petaluma firefighters to ensure that the garage area was effectively stabilized, allowed for the family of five to stay in the residence over the upcoming Mother’s Day weekend," Costa said. "This family was expecting other family members to stay with them over the weekend."

Costa said the fire department gives "huge thanks ... for the collaborative efforts from Petaluma Police, Petaluma Fire Prevention Bureau, Petaluma Water and Petaluma building officials."