Christmas Day Fire Displaces Petaluma Family

A Sunday night fire that may have been caused by a cigarette has displaced a Petaluma family.

Firefighters responded to the 1100 block of River Pine Circle near Casa Grande High School on Sunday shortly before midnight to find heavy smoke coming out of a two-story home and fire from the garage area. The flames also threatened an adjacent house on the cul-de-sac.

Fire crews established a water supply line and made an aggressive interior fire attack to suppress the fire in the garage area, said Captain Jude Prokop. The fire was knocked down and contained to the garage area in about 15 minutes.

The Petaluma Fire Department was assisted by crews from Rancho Adobe, Cal Fire and the Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department. Police officers arrived on the scene before firefighters and helped escort residents out of the burning home. One resident was treated and transported to Petaluma Valley Hospital for minor injuries. 

The fire was contained to the garage area, but the interior living space was heavily damaged by the smoke. The family is currently staying with relatives. 

The initial fire investigation determined the fire to be accidental and preliminary findings indicate the fire may have started in the garage. Fire officials believe a burning cigarette may have caused the blaze, although the exact cause in still under investigation.