Four People Displaced After Devastating House Fire in San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo, CA – A raging house fire broke out in a residential neighborhood of San Lorenzo early Sunday morning, leaving four residents displaced and one person hospitalized due to smoke inhalation. The fire, which authorities believe was caused by an electrical malfunction in the living room, quickly engulfed the single-story home, forcing the occupants to flee for their lives.

Fire Erupts in the Early Hours

According to the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD), emergency responders were dispatched to the scene at approximately 7:30 a.m. after receiving multiple 911 calls from neighbors reporting heavy smoke and flames pouring out of the residence on Via Alamitos Street. By the time firefighters arrived, the fire had already spread rapidly through the structure, fueled by flammable household materials.

One of the displaced residents, Maria Hernandez, recalled the terrifying moment she realized her home was on fire.

“I woke up to the smell of smoke and saw orange flames flickering outside my bedroom door. I screamed for my family, and we ran out as fast as we could,” she said, still visibly shaken.

Cause of Fire Determined

Fire investigators later determined that the fire was likely sparked by faulty electrical wiring in the living room. A short circuit in an overloaded power outlet, which had several devices plugged in, is believed to have ignited nearby furniture. The flames then spread swiftly, feeding on curtains and wooden furniture before reaching the roof.

Firefighters Battle Intense Flames

Fire crews worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, managing to fully extinguish it within an hour. However, the home sustained severe damage, with portions of the roof collapsing due to the intense heat. While no fatalities were reported, one resident, an elderly man in his late 60s, was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.

Community Support and Next Steps

The American Red Cross has stepped in to provide temporary housing and assistance for the displaced residents. Neighbors have also come together, offering donations of clothing and necessities to help the family recover.

Officials are reminding residents to check their electrical systems regularly and avoid overloading outlets to prevent similar tragedies.

The investigation remains ongoing, but authorities urge homeowners to take fire safety precautions seriously to avoid devastating losses.

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