2 Displaced In Temecula Fire

TEMECULA, CA — Two people were displaced in a fire in Temecula on Tuesday, the Riverside County Fire Department reported. The blaze erupted on the second floor of a newly constructed home in Temecula and damaged a network of rooftop solar panels, while also leaving two firefighters with minor injuries.

The fire was first reported at 2:11 p.m. at the end of a cul de sac in the 31900 block of Calle Elenita, which is near La Serena Way and Butterfield Stage Road.

Twenty-four firefighters from six engines responded to the scene to find flames coming from the roof and attic area of the two-story house. Roughly 40 minutes later, firefighters knocked down the blaze and requested assistance from Southern California Edison and the gas company technicians in assessing and working on damage to household utilities.

One fireman suffered a minor cut to the head but did not require hospitalization. Another hurt his shoulder and was also treated at the scene, officials said.

A battalion chief said flames ate into a solar array and part of the attic.

The residents, a man and woman whose names were not released, were displaced but declined help from the American Red Cross, the fire department said.

It was unclear whether a malfunctioning panel triggered the fire, which remained under investigation.

— City News Service contributed to this report.