House Fire Displaces Santa Rosa Family Of 4

SANTA ROSA, CA — A family was displaced Sunday when a fire started on the back deck of their home and spread inside their northeast Santa Rosa home, officials with the Santa Rosa Fire Department said. The fire in the 1800 block of San Ramon Way was reported at 5:53 p.m. by a neighbor who called 911 when they saw their neighbor's deck was on fire, according to SRFD Battalion Chief Matthew Gloeckner.

While en route to the scene, the first responding fire crew saw a large column of smoke and upgraded the severity of the incident, Gloeckner said in a news release.

Crews were on scene within five minutes and saw heavy fire on the back deck of a two-story home.

The fire had already extended into the second floor and attic, so firefighters began an "aggressive interior and exterior attack" while also ventilating the roof to alleviate smoke and heat.

The residents were not home at the time, and firefighters searched both floors of the house to confirm no one was inside.

The fire was under control within about 30 minutes; however, firefighters stayed on scene for several hours to mop up hot spots and investigate its cause.

The total loss was estimated at $200,000, with major fire damage to the exterior, rear deck and second floor of the home, and major water and smoke damage to the first floor.

Red Cross responded to assist the displaced family — two adults and two children —who were able to stay with relatives.

The cause of the fire had not yet been determined Sunday night.

A total of 24 personnel from SRFD and Sonoma County Fire District responded to the blaze, Gloeckner said. PG&E and Santa Rosa Police Department were also at the scene.