Fire Breaks Out In Abandoned Petaluma Home

PETALUMA, CA — A fire broke out overnight in an abandoned Petaluma home but was quickly put out, according to the Petaluma Fire Department. The fire was reported around 1 a.m. Thursday at 825 E. Washington St., near the intersection of Washington and Ellis streets.

Firefighters were on scene within five minutes and saw light smoke and flames coming from a second-story window of the boarded-up home so they forced entry, Petaluma Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Medeiros said.

More firefighters arrived and searched the building for any occupants but did not find anyone. However, they did find signs of homeless activities, including a small metal box in the upstairs bedroom were the fire broke out.

The box "appeared to have been utilized for a warming and or cooking type fire," Medeiros said.

Crews from Rancho Adobe Fire, Cal Fire and North Bay Fire also responded, and within 15 minutes, the fire was under control.

"Quick notification by a civilian who was passing by and a quick response limited the damage to the structure involved as well as the office building next to it," Medeiros said.