An early morning fire at a duplex on Willis Road displaced residents Sunday after flames heavily damaged the attached garage and spread into part of the home, according to the Scotts Valley Fire Protection District.
Firefighters responded at about 5:40 a.m. on June 28 to reports of a residential structure fire in the 200 block of Willis Road.
The first engine company arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the attached garage of a two-story duplex. Firefighters launched an interior attack while simultaneously conducting a primary search to ensure no occupants remained inside.
All residents had safely evacuated before crews arrived.
Firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions in the garage. The fire had breached the interior access door connecting the garage to the downstairs residence and spread into portions of the living area. Crews brought the fire under control in about 20 minutes.
A total of 18 fire personnel responded with four fire apparatus, two battalion chiefs, one ambulance and an Air/Light Unit. Firefighters remained at the scene for about four hours conducting overhaul operations, checking for hidden fire extension and assisting residents in retrieving essential personal belongings.
The attached garage sustained extensive fire damage, while the downstairs residence suffered significant fire, smoke and heat damage in adjoining rooms. The upstairs residence sustained minor fire damage but moderate smoke damage. The duplex was determined to be uninhabitable, fire officials said.
The American Red Cross assisted displaced residents with temporary housing and other immediate needs.
Two residents suffered minor injuries. One was evaluated for smoke inhalation, while another had moderate burns to their hands. Both declined ambulance transport after being evaluated and were treated and released at the scene.
No firefighters were injured.
The fire originated in the attached garage, officials said, and the cause remains under investigation.
“Garage fires can become extremely dangerous in a very short amount of time because they often involve vehicles, fuel, lithium-ion batteries, and other combustible materials,” said Battalion Chief Chris Stubendorff, incident commander. “Our firefighters made an aggressive interior attack that quickly confined the fire to the garage and adjoining residence, preventing it from spreading to the remainder of the duplex. Most importantly, every occupant safely evacuated before our arrival. Working smoke alarms gave these residents the early warning they needed to get out safely.”
The Scotts Valley Fire Protection District thanked its mutual aid partners, including Santa Cruz Fire Department, Felton Fire Protection District, AMR Santa Cruz County, Scotts Valley Police Department, PG&E and Scotts Valley Market, for assisting during the incident.
Fire officials also reminded residents that working smoke alarms are the most effective tool for providing early warning during a fire.
“Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home,” officials said. “Test smoke alarms monthly, replace them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and practice a home fire escape plan with everyone in your household. Early detection and a practiced escape plan save lives.”
