Mobile Home A Total Loss In Fire Caused By Unattended Food: SRFD

SANTA ROSA, CA — An elderly woman escaped a fire this week in northeast Santa Rosa but her mobile home was a total loss, the Santa Rosa Fire Department said.

Several people called 911 just after 1 p.m. Monday to report that a mobile home was on fire at the Rancho Cabeza Mobile Home Park, Battalion Chief Matthew Dahl said.

A column of smoke was visible from several blocks away so additional units were requested for the fire north of state Highway 12 at 60 Coronado Circle.

The first engine crew was on scene within five minutes and saw smoke emanating from several windows.

"The occupant, an elderly woman, had already escaped the fire and was not injured," Dahl said.

Crews attacked the fire from the inside and brought it under control in 15 minutes but the structure was deemed a total loss.

"The cause of the fire was determined to be unattended food on the stove that caught on fire and spread to the rest of the home," Dahl said.

The woman told fire officials her smoke detectors did not activate and that she was unaware of the fire until she smelled smoke.

"Smoke detectors save lives and it is important to test and maintain them, including regularly installing new batteries, so that they operate reliably," Dahl said.

Damages were estimated at $150,000.

The American Red Cross responded to help the displaced resident.