On the evening of Aug. 5, the Santa Maria Fire Department responded to an apartment complex carport fire at 929 E. Jones St. Six fire engines and one ladder truck were sent to the residence, under the direction of Battalion Chief Scott Johnson.
Firefighters found the carport and multiple cars engulfed in flames. A total of 13 cars were parked inside or near the structure. According to department officials, the firefighters launched an aggressive attack against the blaze with multiple lines and high-flow appliances. The move prevented the fire from spreading to the nearby apartment complex.
The fire was declared under control at approximately 6:30 p.m. However, single-family residences to the north were damaged by smoke and heat. Investigators determined the fire’s area of origin, but were unable to pinpoint a cause. The fire is reported to be “suspicious in nature,” according to a press release.
Officers from the Santa Maria Police Department were called in to help with crowd control and road access. One engine from the San Luis Obispo County Fire Department and two engines from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department helped fight the blaze. Both departments also provided additional emergency responses to local cities.
No injuries were reported. However, preliminary damage to the structure and vehicles was estimated at $250,000.
This article appears in Aug 9-16, 2012.