Condo Fire Forces Evacuation, Rescue In RSM

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — A fire tore through a two-story condominium complex in Rancho Santa Margarita Sunday morning, the Orange County Fire Authority reported.

The fire was reported at around 11:30 a.m. Sunday on Via Solaz inside of a ground-level condo, authorities said. When firefighters arrived, residents were being evacuated from the complex by Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies and flames from the fire were already lapping up to the unit above.

The fire was knocked down in just 10 minutes, and firefighters were able to rescue a cat hiding under the bed in a smoke-filled room.

No injuries were reported and the cat was reportedly reunited with its family, authorities said.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.