4 Residents, Dog Escape Petaluma House Fire

PETALUMA, CA — A Petaluma home was deemed uninhabitable after a structure fire Tuesday night but everyone got out of the home safely, a Petaluma Fire Department official said.

A Petaluma police officer noticed the house fire around 10:38 p.m. Tuesday in the 1000 block of Wren Drive and immediately went to evacuate the residents, Petaluma FD Battalion Chief Matt Martin said.

"All four residents, and their dog, escaped the structure unharmed," Martin said.

Multiple neighbors also called 911 to report seeing smoke and flames. Petaluma’s battalion chief, two engines, a ladder truck, and three medic units responded along with one engine and a battalion chief from Rancho Adobe Fire District.

Firefighters were met with heavy smoke coming from the garage of the home and upgraded the call to a working structure fire.

The fire was knocked down in under 15 minutes from the time it was first reported, Martin said.

"There was considerable damage to the structure from fire and smoke," Martin said. "However, a quick and aggressive interior attack saved the home from becoming a total loss, and multiple homes were protected by extinguishing the fire before it extended to the adjacent houses."

The city's Building Department placed a red tag on the residence, deeming it uninhabitable.

PG&E responded to remove utilities from the structure.

The American Red Cross was also contacted and offered the residents help with their shelter needs.

Inspectors with the Petaluma Fire Prevention Bureau were still investigating what may have caused the fire.

"A special thanks to our partners at the Police Department and the officer who noticed the fire and acted quickly to evacuate the occupants," Martin said.

The Sonoma Valley Fire District and Rancho Adobe Fire also assisted with the incident.

There were no reports of injuries to firefighters, police officers or members of the public.

"As always, we thank our surrounding partners for their assistance during the incident and for providing station coverage to protect the city," Martin said.

The Petaluma Fire Department emphasized the importance of having working fire protection systems installed in homes and businesses.

"In an emergency such as this one, having smoke detectors and fire alarms can alert residents of a fire, often before residents are aware, allowing for more time to escape," Martin said. "It is essential to check fire protection systems regularly and to practice exit drills with all residents or occupants."