Fire Engulfs Orange County, California Apartment, Kills One

July 26, 2004
A three-alarm fire broke out in an Orange County apartment building, killing one person and prompting evacuations, authorities said.
BREA, Calif. (AP) -- A three-alarm fire broke out in an Orange County apartment building, killing one person and prompting evacuations, authorities said.

An unidentified man died in the blaze, which started shortly after 8 p.m. Sunday in an apartment in Brea, said Paul Christman, a fire battalion chief.

The man's wife and children were not at home during the fire and were not injured.

Authorities believe the fire was sparked by an ``electrical malfunction'' near the family's computer, but the exact cause was still under investigation, Christman said.

Nearly 60 residents who were forced to flee received assistance from the Red Cross, he said.

About 50 firefighters battled the blaze, which destroyed the family's apartment and caused minor smoke damage to nearby units.

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