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Health & Fitness

Structure Fire Controlled, Major Damage Avoided

At 0430 hours this morning, the Watsonville Fire Department was dispatched to a report of an exterior light flickering at 430 Rogge Street. Upon arrival the Engine Company Officer, Fire Captain Eduardo Caro, found light smoke issuing from the second floor attic and eaves of an apartment building.

Captain Caro quickly upgraded the response to a first alarm for the confirmed structure fire. This brought an additional engine, aerial ladder truck and battalion chief from the City of Watsonville, as well as engines from Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District, Cal Fire/Pajaro Valley Fire Protection District, North Monterrey County Fire Protection District and an American Medical Response (AMR) Supervisor. Watsonville Police Officers responded and assisted with the evacuation of non-affected apartments.

A smoldering fire was found burning in the insulation of the attic. Firefighters cut ventilation holes in the roof and ceiling of the affected apartment to release smoke, hot gases and to aid in clearing the attic of a large amount of burned insulation.  

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A family of six was displaced from the affected apartment. The American Red Cross of Santa Cruz County responded quickly and assisted the family with temporary housing and essentials. Pacific Gas and Electric Company also responded to assist with securing the utilities.

While the initial dispatch called for just one unit, thanks to the early reporting and prompts actions of the first-arriving firefighters, the damage was kept to a minimum and there were no injuries to residents or responders. The fire is currently under investigation.

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