Photos: Ashes May be to Blame for CA House Fire

Jan. 24, 2017
Firefighters from Santa Barbara County and Santa Maria City battled the two-alarm fire.

Shortly before 11 pm on Jan. 19, Santa Barbara County Dispatch received calls for a structure fire in the Oakhill Country Estates neighborhood in Orcutt.

Santa Barbara County Engine 21 called for a second alarm when they saw a heavy smoke in the area of the fire.

Firefighters found showing from the attic and kitchen of the 4,000-square-foot residence. The occupants were safely out of the structure.

Attack lines were pulled and crews went to work knocking down the fire, ventilating the roof and conducting salvage operations.

Five engines, one breathing support, one battalion chief and the division chief of operations from Santa Barbara County responded along with two engines, one truck and battalion chief from Santa Maria City.

Investigators believe the fire was caused by hot fireplace ashes being disposed of in a trash can.

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