SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The Santa Maria Fire Department, knocked out a blaze early Monday morning, limiting the damage.
According to SMFD, at approximately 8:26 AM, they responded to a residential structure fire at 508 N. Oakley St. Three engines and one ladder truck responded under the direction of Acting Battalion Chief Jim Clayton. Upon arrival, fire crews found a single story, single family residence with an attached shed that was fully involved.
The fire extended to the porch and fire crews were able to prevent the fire from entering into the attic space and the interior of the house. The fire was declared "under control"at 8:37 AM just 11 minutes after the initial alarm time. Crews remained "on-scene" for over 1 ½hours due to the extensive "overhaul" and "mop-up" of the fire scene.
The house was vacant and the fire was originally reported by neighbors. The fire also damaged an electrical meter at the residence which caused a power outage to the neighborhood. PG&E was requested and power was restored within an hour.
A Fire Investigator from the Santa Maria Fire Department is handling the investigation and the cause of the fire is suspicious and under investigation. Santa Maria Police officers assisted with traffic control during the fire and one AMR ambulance provided standby coverage. One engine from Santa Barbara County Fire also assisted with covering additional emergency responses in the City while units were committed to the structure fire.
The preliminary damage estimate was set at:
$15,000 to the structure
