Family Of 8 Displaced By House Fire In Rohnert Park

ROHNERT PARK, CA — A family of eight was displaced when a fire broke out early Friday morning inside their Rohnert Park home.

A 911 call was received at 3 a.m. Tuesday about the residential fire in the 900 block of Dorine Avenue and units were on the scene within five minutes, the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety said.

Firefighters were met with substantial flames coming from the back of a two-story residence. Working in collaboration with Rancho Adobe Fire District and Sonoma County Fire, fire crews contained the blaze within 20 minutes, fire and police officials said.

The fire resulted in significant damage and consumed an estimated 70-75 percent of the inside areas of the home.

"Thanks to the early warning from operational smoke detectors, all eight occupants of the home, including two small children, were able to safely evacuate the home before the arrival of first responders," officials said.

The family received aid from the American Red Cross and was taken in by relatives.

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. It appeared that a small appliance malfunctioned in a sunroom adjacent to the kitchen, officials said.

"Operational smoke detectors most likely saved this family from an even worse disaster as this fire grew rapidly in its intensity ultimately blocking off an escape from the upstairs to the downstairs," officials said.

The Rohnert Park DPS urged community members to ensure smoke detectors are correctly installed and equipped with fresh batteries.

"This simple measure can make a significant difference in emergencies."