Reports of a structure fire brought authorities to 1319 Salinas Place at 4:47 p.m., where fire crews discovered heavy smoke and flames coming from the rear portion of a duplex. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and completed a search of the residence within 22 minutes after arriving on the scene, City Fire Capt. Mike de Ponce said.
“They got to work pretty quick,” he said.
No residents or firefighters were injured in the blaze, although fire officials said there were reports that a dog died in the fire. Firefighters and an investigator remained on scene into evening hours to complete the cleanup and salvage process.
“On-scene reports indicate it was an unattended candle,” de Ponce said.
Authorities said the residents had apparently attempted to extinguish the fire with a garden hose. Police officers arrived on the scene first and got the residents out of the home, de Ponce said, and fire crews arrived moments later.
He stressed the importance of keeping a watchful eye on candles, noting that the fire department has already handled a previous structure fire involving an unattended candle several weeks ago.
“This is the time of the year that we get these types of things,” de Ponce said. “Leaving burning candles unattended is not recommended.”