Petaluma Family Escapes Fire Unharmed

A Petaluma family escaped a Wednesday afternoon fire in their home unharmed, but a firefighter went to the hospital after suffering second-degree burns.

Shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday, the Petaluma Fire Department began receiving calls about a structure fire on South McDowell Blvd. at Caulfield Lane.

Firefighters were on the scene arrived within several minutes and found the garage on fire. They opened the door, releasing pressurized smoke and gases, which flashed, causing a large fire ball. The fire ball caused a burn to one firefighter, who was sent to the hospital with moderate injuries. He was released an hour later.

The family, which consists of the father, mother and three children, were inside at the time, but were able to escape unharmed. The garage was completely destroyed in the blaze and the kitchen severely damaged, along with heat and smoke damage throughout the home, according to Petaluma Battalion Chief Jeff Holden. The cause of the fire is being blamed on an unattended cigarette.

A dog was rescued from a back bedroom during the fire and two cats escaped the home during the fire. Petaluma Animal Control assisted in the care of the dog during the incident. Total damage is being estimated at $75,000.