Mattress Fire Causes $15K In Damage To Petaluma Apartment

PETALUMA, CA — A fire last week in a Petaluma apartment resulted in $15,000 in damage but the outcome likely would have been worse had the unit's automatic sprinkler system not kicked in.

At 3:24 a.m. Jan. 13, the Petaluma Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a smoke alarm activation at an apartment complex at 1400 Technology Lane. The incident was upgraded to a structure fire while crews were en route, so units from Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District were also dispatched.

The first firefighters on scene found a three-story apartment complex with residents outside. One person was suffering mild smoke inhalation and fire alarms were sounding, Petaluma FD Battalion Chief Kevin Weaver said.

Paramedics helped the smoke-inhalation victim while other crew members traced the smoke to a mattress fire in a third-floor unit.

The fire was mostly extinguished by the unit’s automatic fire sprinkler system.

After ensuring all occupants were out of the apartment, firefighters ensured the blaze was completely out and worked to prevent any further fire damage.

The incident was brought under control within 15 minutes.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation, with damage estimated at $15,000, Weaver said.

"The occupant with smoke inhalation was transported by a Petaluma Fire Department ambulance to the hospital for further treatment and evaluation," Weaver said. "There were no other injuries to civilians, firefighters, or pets."