Car Fire Erupts, Starts Spreading To Petaluma Home

PETALUMA, CA — A fire Tuesday in Petaluma that started in a car engine and began spreading to a home was the first of two fires within as many days where a properly functioning fire sprinkler kept the damage to a minimum, the Petaluma Fire Department said.

At 12:39 p.m. Tuesday, a Petaluma Fire Department engine was dispatched to a report of a car fire in the 200 block of Lena Lane, near Mission Drive and McNear Avenue. Additional calls were made to 911 to inform authorities that flames were extending from the car to the home, prompting additional resources for the incident.

Firefighters found smoke and flames coming from the engine compartment of a car parked in the driveway of a home, with fire extending to exterior areas of the garage and the front of the home.

"With the activation of a fire sprinkler, that was located in the garage, and quick response from crews, the fire was contained within five minutes, with only minimal damage to the exterior of the structure," Petaluma FD Battalion Chief Mike Medeiros said.

The car's owner said he just got back from having the car serviced when he noticed a smell and then smoke coming from the vehicle, prompting a call to 911.

"The Petaluma Fire Department would like to commend the owner and resident of the vehicle and home, as well as neighbors, for their quick action in calling 911 to report and then provide updates on the situation," Medeiros said.

In addition to the calls and quick response from crews, having a functioning sprinkler system kept the fire from spreading and causing significant damage to the home, Medeiros said.

No injuries to residents or firefighters were reported.

The Petaluma Fire Prevention Bureau responded and was investigating the cause of the fire.

The Petaluma Building Department and PG&E were also called to the scene and determined that because damage from smoke and heat was minimal, the utilities could stay on and the residents could remain in the home.

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Medeiros said the incident served as a reminder of the importance of functioning smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

"Furthermore, installing a fire sprinkler system and ensuring it is working properly, could mean the difference not only between minor and major damage to a structure but also in the safe escape of residents during a fire," he said.

The Petaluma Fire Department thanked Cal Fire, Rancho Adobe Fire District, Goldridge Fire District and PG&E for their assistance with the incident.