Pet Dies, 3 People Displaced In 2-Alarm Residential Fire

PETALUMA, CA — Three people were displaced Monday in a two-alarm residential fire in Petaluma.

Several people called 911 shortly after 11:30 a.m. and reported flames and smoke coming from a multi-story building in the 1400 block of Petaluma Boulevard North.

According to Jessica Power, a fire marshal and battalion chief with the Petaluma Fire Department, the department arrived at the scene in under five minutes. Because of the fire conditions and the size of the structure, the incident commander upgraded the blaze to a second alarm, triggering more engine crews.

All told, 20 units, not only from Petaluma but also from the Gold Ridge Fire District, Rancho Adobe Fire District, Sonoma Valley Fire District, and the Santa Rosa Fire Department, responded and lent their support.

The Petaluma Police Department also assisted by halting traffic on Petaluma Boulevard North to accommodate the large emergency response.

"The fire took approximately 40 minutes to suppress due to the building’s age, construction type, and the impact of local winds," said Jessica Power, a fire marshal and battalion chief for the Petaluma Fire Department. "Crews conducted multiple searches to confirm that all residents were accounted for."

The fire department confirmed there were three displaced residents, all of whom were offered assistance from the American Red Cross for their immediate needs.

One pet cat died in the fire, Power told Patch.

Several other animals were affected, but the exact number was unclear.

Personnel from the Petaluma Fire Prevention Bureau responded and were actively continuing to investigate the cause of the blaze, Power said.

"We are pleased to report that there were no injuries sustained during this incident," Power said. "We thank our residents for their prompt 9-1-1 calls, which enabled a swift response. Community safety is a team effort, and we encourage all residents to ensure their homes are equipped with functioning smoke detectors and to have an emergency evacuation plan with at least two exits."

Power also extended the gratitude of the Petaluma Fire Department to the Petaluma Police Department, the City of Petaluma Building Department and neighboring fire agencies for their collaboration and assistance during this incident.

"We also thank the agencies that provided station coverage, ensuring that other emergencies in our community were addressed promptly," Power said.