Firefighters Save Kitten From Fire Caused By Lit Candle: SRFD

SANTA ROSA, CA — A candle lit next to a bed is believed to be the cause of a fire Monday that displaced residents of a fourplex in Santa Rosa.

Fifteen fire personnel responded to the blaze at 4:22 p.m. Monday at a single-story residential structure divided into four units at 1800 Meda Ave., Santa Rosa Fire Department Battalion Chief Jason Jenkins said.

A moderate amount of smoke was coming from a middle unit when the first crew of firefighters arrived in under five minutes, Jenkins said.

"Initial reports were that the occupants were out of the units, and that cats were still inside the fire unit," Jenkins said.

Firefighters searched inside for the cats as their fellow crew members worked to put out the fire with hoses and by cutting holes in the roof for ventilation.

"Firefighters were able to find one kitten inside suffering from smoke inhalation," Jenkins said. "The kitten was provided oxygen and stimulated. The kitten appeared to be doing much better as we cleared the scene. The kitten was turned over to the property owner for further care."

No other cats were found inside and were assumed to have escaped the fire on their own.

The fire was under control within 20 minutes, and crews kept it from spreading to the other three units.

However, because of common attic space and smoke damage, residents of all four units were displaced.

The American Red Cross provided assistance to the tenants.

"The cause of the fire was a lit candle next to a bed," Jenkins said. "The tenant fell asleep and woke to fire burning next to the bed."

The fire caused an estimated $80,000 in damages.