Four People And Cat Homeless After Petaluma Fire

PETALUMA, CA — A fast-moving blaze on Monday afternoon sent four people and their cat fleeing from their home.

Crews arrived on scene in the 1500 block of Baywood Drive around 1:33 p.m. Monday.

They found moderate smoke, and called for backup from nearby departments, according to the Petaluma Fire Department.

Fire crews from Petaluma, Sonoma Valley, Rancho Adobe, and Gold Ridge knocked down the blaze within 10 minutes, keeping it from spreading beyond the kitchen, Petaluma Fire Battalion Chief Matt Martin said in a statement.

Firefighters remained on scene for several hours to fully extinguish the fire, salvage belongings, and check for hotspots. A Petaluma Fire investigator and PG&E declared the home unsafe and issued a “red tag,” forcing four residents and their cat to evacuate. The Red Cross is assisting them.

No injuries to residents or firefighters were reported. The Petaluma Fire Prevention Bureau continues to investigate the fire's cause.

Petaluma officials said residents should review fire safety protocols, identify multiple escape routes, and practice drills regularly.