An early morning blaze ripped through a Mountain View home on Friday, sending seven residents and their two pets fleeing for safety. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department quickly responded to the scene at around 2 a.m. near Olivewood Terrace and Ocean View Boulevard, after receiving reports of a structure fire engulfing a residence. The NBC San Diego reported that SDFD Battalion Chief Kyle Kutzke stated no individuals were found inside the property as the firefighters worked swiftly to extinguish the flames.
The fire which threatened to upend the lives of the inhabitants was brought on control but has left five adults, two children effectively without a home. The local Red Cross chapter has stepped up to offer assistance, as stated in a news release by the SDFD and echoed by the official incident report, ensuring that the displaced individuals and their pets have support during this upheaval. The proximity of lithium-ion batteries near the heat of the conflagration initially raised concerns; however, the SDFD has made it clear that while the batteries were indeed caught up in the blaze, they were not the originator of the fire.
Investigations are ongoing to pin down what sparked the incident; however, this much is certain: the damage has been extensive. "There were the lithium-ion batteries that burned in the fire, but they were not the cause," the department stated in a release via NBC San Diego, emphasizing the accidental participation of these power sources in the event. In terms of losses, officials estimate that the fire has resulted in approximately $200,000 worth of structural damage and an additional $20,000 in personal belongings.
