Two Structure Fires in 30 Minutes; One in Citrus Heights

By the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District 

Metro Firefighters responded to two working structure fires within 30 minutes of one another early this morning.  

At approximately 3:41 a.m., Metro Firefighters responded to the 6600 block of Rinconada Drive in Citrus Heights for a house fire.  Firefighters were able to hold the fire to the garage sparing the home making it inhabitable for its residents.  The smoke alarm is being credited with alerting the residents to the fire allowing them to evacuate without injury. 

The cause of the fire is being attributed to improperly discarded smoking materials alongside the exterior of the home.  

While crews were actively working in Citrus Heights another fire was reported in Rancho Cordova.  Additional firefighters were dispatched at approximately 4:06 a.m. to the 10500 block of Georgetown Drive.  The reporting party reported visible flames from the house with a person trapped inside. 

The first arriving engine was met with fire blowing from the front of the home.  They were able to extinguish enough fire to allow entry and quickly located two people trapped by the fire. 

Tragically, the two people and their animals perished in this fire.  The cause of this fire is still under investigation at this time.  

These two fires added to the upward trending of structure fires that we are experiencing this year. 

In 2012, Metro Fire experienced an increase in working fires of approximately 14% from the previous year. 

The last two months alone, we have responded to 60 plus working fires with some of them having tragic results.  If this trend continues, we will again see significant increases in 2013.    Metro Fire needs your help in stopping this trend.   Three things that you can do to reduce your risk of fire:  

1. Never leave food cooking on the stove unattended.
2. Always use a licensed electrician to perform electrical work to ensure proper installation and service.
3. Always properly dispose of smoking materials.

  Three things that you can do to reduce your risk of injury from a home fire:  

1. Make sure your home has properly installed and working smoke alarms.
2. Plan and practice a fire escape plan.
3. In case of a fire, GET OUT and STAY OUT.

    These are just a few tips to keep you and your family safe.  For additional safety tips, check out www.metrofire.ca.gov and sign up for our E-newsletter.