MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – A structure fire destroyed a Middletown home late Friday night.
The fire, reported in the 21000 block of Barnes Street, was dispatched at about 11:30 p.m. Friday, according to radio reports.
Cal Fire Battalion Chief Greg Bertelli said the homeowners had been away from home for the evening and when they returned, they found the residence engulfed in flames and called 911.
Bertelli said South Lake County Fire and Cal Fire responded to the scene, finding the structure fully involved by the time they arrived.
Because of the threat to wildland, Cal Fire initially sent a full wildland dispatch of five engines, two dozers and two handcrews, said Bertelli.
He said firefighters had to work to protect surrounding structures, including a second residence about 20 feet away, as well as outbuildings.
No firefighters were injured, said Bertelli.
However, he said the homeowners lost two cats and a dog that were in the house at the time of the fire.
Bertelli said fire officials worked with Red Cross to get accommodations set up for the home's displaced family.
Because of the threat to wildland and nearby structures that the fire had posed, firefighters and four Cal Fire engines remained on scene throughout the night, finally returning to quarters at about 7:30 a.m., according to Bertelli.
A fire investigator was at the scene during the night, said Bertelli.
“It's still under investigation,” he said.
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