Moraga-Orinda Fire District and Contra Costa Fire District responded to a reported structure fire with garage involvement. Fire units raced to the scene on Camino Sobrante, where they found a garage full of thick black smoke. The family escaped outside after calling 911, then awaiting for the firefighters to arrive. Engine 145 and Medic 145 made an aggressive fire attack and extinguished the fire before it could spread up the staircase and to the upper floors of the house. Medic 145 provided the 2 in- 2 out OSHA requirement before firefighters can enter a structure with no rescue. Second fire unit arrived on scene and provided water supply to first arriving unit. No issues were reported with water from the hydrant. Other units on scene assisted with smoke removal, salvage and overhaul for extension of any fire. A Thermal Imaging Camera was used to look for hidden "hot spots" that would cause a fire to extend inside the walls. None was found with the Thermal Imaging Camera.
Investigation showed the cause to be electrical from a possible overloaded outlet. On a bright note, Medic 145 rescued 2 rabbits from the garage, that was filled with thick black smoke. They removed the rabbits to fresh air and monitored their health. Rabbits responded well to the outside air and recovered with no apparent respiratory effects. Family thanked Firefighters Elbanna, Edminster and Engineer Whittington for saving the family rabbits. Good job guys!
Estimated damage to structure is $5,000.00 and contents $1,000.00.
