Mountain View residents were jolted awake yesterday as a fire engulfed a home in the 700 block of San Pablo Drive. According to the City of Mountain View Fire Department, a 9-1-1 call was made at 5:38 AM, reporting the blaze. All occupants managed to evacuate the building on their own before the arrival of fire units.
Responding to the crisis, firefighters arrived at the scene at 5:45 AM and found the home's attached garage spewing smoke. Working with fierce diligence, the fire was rapidly brought under control through a hose line attack, preventing it from spreading to adjacent structures. Saving two dogs found in the smoky residence, firefighters reunited them with their owners while performing an extensive overhaul. Even as the garage and ceiling walls were opened up behind heat measures, they ensured the fire's complete extinguishment.
The valuables and structure were damaged to the tune of an estimated $50,000; the investigation into the fire's cause remains ongoing. The City of Mountain View Building Division, alongside the Mountain View Police Department, stepped in to assist with the aftermath, with police providing traffic control and the Building Division aiding in recovery efforts.
Support services came into play as well, as seven displaced residents, including three children and four adults, were given a $250 gift card by the California Professional Firefighters Union Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency Program, and the American Red Cross was contacted for the arrangement of temporary housing following the disconnection of gas and electric utilities owing to smoke damage. Before leaving the scene, the residence was returned to the occupants by fire crews.
