Fires At Movie Theater, Elderly Care Home Keep Firefighters Busy

PETALUMA, CA — The Petaluma Fire Department responded to two separate structure fires Thursday night, just hours apart and within a mile.

The first fire was reported at 9:04 p.m. by staff at a senior care facility at 1115 B St., who noticed a faint smell of smoke. Upon arrival, firefighters detected the odor but found no visible signs of smoke or fire, Petaluma Fire Department Battalion Chief Mike Medieros said.

After a detailed investigation, firefighters found a small smoldering area in the attic above the kitchen, likely caused by an electrical issue. The fire affected approximately 5 feet of ceiling joists and blown-in insulation.

"Thanks to the quick response, the fire was contained before it could spread," Medieros said. "Crews spent about an hour pulling down sheetrock and opening a portion of the roof to extinguish the smoldering area fully."

Once the fire was out, the building was turned over to the facility’s maintenance team. An evacuation was not necessary, as the fire was far enough from the residents' rooms.

Medieros said the extent of the damage was not known Friday afternoon as the building’s owner needed to evaluate it further.

Fire At Movie Theater

An alarm company reported the second fire at 12:14 a.m. Friday at Boulevard 14 Cinema, 200 C St., where a water flow alarm was activated. Shortly after units were dispatched, the Petaluma Police Department arrived and reported smoke on the second floor, with fire sprinklers activating.

Firefighters saw water gushing from the second floor, where two sprinkler heads automatically activated because of a fire involving electrical equipment used to power neon signage.

The sprinkler activation kept the fire to a 5-foot area.

"Firefighters shut down the suppression system to stop the water flow, minimizing further water damage," Medieros said. "Though the building sustained water damage, fire and smoke damage was minimal. Crews worked to remove the bulk of the water until facility maintenance could take over."

There were no injuries to firefighters or bystanders in either fire.

The Fire Prevention Bureau was still investigating the cause of each fire.

The City of Petaluma Building Department, Sonoma County Health Department, and the Fire Prevention Bureau worked with both facilities to coordinate repairs.

"The Petaluma Fire Department would like to thank our residents and businesses for remaining vigilant and attentive to their surroundings," Medeiros said. "Community safety is a team effort, and we’re proud to collaborate with our community members to ensure the highest level of protection."

The battalion chief said the fire department encouraged everyone to know two ways out of their home or business and to practice exit drills monthly.

"We also wish to extend our gratitude to our neighboring partners for their assistance during these incidents and for providing station coverage during these emergencies."