Snakes, Dogs, Cats Saved From Petaluma House Fire

PETALUMA, CA — A Petaluma home was red-tagged Monday after a fire damaged at least half the structure. However, in a bright spot for the three displaced residents, a Petaluma Fire Department official said four dogs, two cats and multiple large, caged snakes were saved from the blaze.

Petaluma fire crews were dispatched at 12:18 p.m. Monday to the structure fire in the 200 block of Redwood Circle on the city's east side, and arrived on scene within five minutes, Petaluma Fire Department Battalion Chief Chad Costa said.

"Upon arrival fire units found heavy fire showing from the front of the residence," Costa said. "Firefighters quickly and aggressively attacked the fire trying to limit the damage to the residence."

Another engine crew and a second ambulance soon arrived, and helped the first crew finish searching the residence.

No one was home at the time, but firefighters found a small dog inside the residence and brought the pet outside to safety, unharmed, the battalion chief said.

"In addition to the dog that was rescued, there were large caged snakes that were saved, two cats in the master bedroom and three dogs that were unharmed in the back yard," Costa said.

Meanwhile, Petaluma FD's ladder truck crew cut holes in the roof, providing a way for smoke and heat to flow out of the home.

More crews were called to the scene to assist not only with making sure the fire was completely out, but to preserve as many of the residents' belongings as possible, officials said.

"Quick notification by an alert neighbor and a quick response by fire department personnel limited the damage to approximately $100,000, and there were no injuries to the occupants or responding firefighters," Costa said.

Fire damage was limited to 50 percent of the structure, but there was smoke damage to rest of the home, the battalion chief said.

Rancho Adobe Fire, Cal Fire, Sonoma Valley Fire and North Bay Fire all provided assistance, either at the scene or by covering other incidents in the city.

The city of Petaluma's Building Department, PG&E and the city's Fire Prevention Bureau also responded.

PG&E shut off gas and electric to the home; because of that and the extent of damage, the home was red-tagged.

Fire investigators determined the blaze started on the exterior of the residence, and possibly spread quicker than normal because of windy conditions; however, the exact cause of the fire was still under investigation.

The American Red Cross and firefighters provided the home's three residents with financial assistance to be used for clothing and for somewhere to stay, Costa said.