Coroner Identifies Woman Who Died In Walnut Creek Townhome Fire

WALNUT CREEK, CA — The Contra Costa County Coroner's Office on Thursday identified one of two people who died in a fire Monday at a Walnut Creek condominium complex.

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District — Con Fire — said earlier this week that a mother and her adult son died in the fire. Irina Blake, 74, a resident of Walnut Creek, was identified as the woman found dead in the fire reported at 6:24 a.m. Monday in the 1600 block of Countrywood Court.

The coroner's office said Thursday it was not yet able to confirm the son's identity.

Blake's small dog also died in the fire.

Further, two firefighters were injured in the blaze.

According to Con Fire, the first firefighters who arrived at the scene Monday found heavy fire from both floors of an attached condominium unit — with one fire victim in front of the building. Firefighters were told there were two people trapped on the upper floor, so they took an offensive strategy to attack the fire, search for the victims and vertically ventilate the building.

The incident was quickly upgraded to a second-alarm response.

"Upon reaching the second floor, firefighters, unfortunately, found that the victims had succumbed to the heavy fire conditions," Con Fire officials wrote in a news release.

Firefighters searched the adjoining units but did not find any other victims.

Damage from the fire was limited to the townhome where it started as well as common attic space and the second floor of an adjoining unit.

"The cause of this fire is determined to be accidental, the area of origin is a bed in the living room on the first floor," Con Fire said. "The preliminary ignition source is believed to be smoking material. An oxygen machine on the first floor contributed to a rapid rate of fire spread."

The initial victim was evaluated by firefighter-paramedics and declined treatment for any injuries.

One firefighter suffered a laceration to his hand and was provided with medical treatment and has already returned to work.

A second firefighter suffered a knee injury and burns to his ears, his arm and his back. He also received medical care and evaluation and was recovering at home.

The residents affected and displaced by the fire were provided with support from the American Red Cross for emergency housing and other needs.