House Fire Breaks Out On Heath Street

No one was hurt in a house fire that brought morning sirens to the Manor neighborhood on Thursday.

Fourteen firefighters and multiple engines responded to calls of a fire on the 300 block of Heath Street. The call came in at 7:47 a.m., said Melvin Vaughn, battallion chief with Milpitas Fire Department. 

The fire, which appeared to start in the garage, was contained shortly after 8 a.m., Vaughn said. It did not spread to neighboring homes or properties.

Resident Eddie Rosas, 52, said he has lived in the house with his family for about 20 years. All five family members escaped safely, as well as the their chihuahua, Xika, and parrot, Rambo.

"My daughter saw it, she saw a little spark" in the garage near the dryer, Rosas said. "She was on her way to work." 

Rosas said he thought the rest of the house was be OK, as long as the smoke and water didn't damage it. Meanwhile, he said, the family would stay with nearby relatives or friends. 

Police cars and fire engines blocked the street at a time when it is usually popular with dog walkers, residents leaving for work and kids on their way to school. Firefighters dodged spits of rain to haul pieces of furniture, blankets, clothing and other items from the house.