SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. --
A three-alarm fire destroyed two duplexes Thursday afternoon in the Rosemont neighborhood in Sacramento County.
Firefighters from Sacramento Metro and City fire departments responded to the 9000 block of Tuolumne Drive after a medic crew in the area saw a large column of black smoke.
As crews arrived at the scene, they found two duplex units engulfed with flames and smoke. The operation quickly moved to an effort to contain the fire and keep it from spreading to nearby homes.
Downed high-voltage power lines laying across the back yards presented a major safety hazard to firefighters. Until SMUD arrived to de-energize the lines, firefighters were ordered to stay out of the backyards.
Crews successfully contained the fire to the two original duplexes, both of which were rendered uninhabitable. Investigators believe the fire originated in 9091 Tuolumne before spreading to the east and igniting the eaves and attic of the next building. The initial damage estimate is $300,000.
Six firefighters, wearing protective turnouts and carrying gear weighing as much as 40 to 70 pounds, were overcome by the heat. All six rehydrated, quickly improved and soon rejoined the firefighting effort. Another fire fighter was transported to an area hospital with a nail through his hand. No civilians were injured.
