Five Residents Forced to Evacuate After Fierce Appliance Fire in Mountain View
A devastating appliance fire at a multifamily residence on Latham Street left five people displaced and forced them to flee for their safety. The blaze, which began in the washer/dryer unit of one condo on the second floor, sent flames shooting into the air and water gushing from nearby sprinkler heads.
When emergency services arrived just before 9:30pm, firefighters found smoke billowing from the affected unit and residents had already evacuated themselves. Using thermal imaging, the team assessed the situation to ensure the fire didn't spread further. After shutting off the faulty sprinklers and removing excess water from the building, they successfully extinguished the flames without sustaining any injuries.
The estimated damage from the blaze is a staggering $60,000, which highlights the importance of regular appliance maintenance. Authorities have emphasized that proper ventilation, installation, and overloading prevention can significantly reduce the risk of similar incidents.
Thanks to prompt evacuation efforts by residents, no lives were lost in the disaster. However, five individuals β including two adults from the unit that caught fire and three others from a nearby apartment β required relocation assistance due to the extensive water damage and smoke inhalation.
The Mountain View Police Department assisted with traffic control for over an hour while firefighters worked to put out the blaze. In light of this incident, authorities have highlighted the National Fire Protection Association's advice on washer/dryer maintenance, which includes cleaning lint buildup and ensuring appliances are installed, vented, and not overloaded.
A devastating appliance fire at a multifamily residence on Latham Street left five people displaced and forced them to flee for their safety. The blaze, which began in the washer/dryer unit of one condo on the second floor, sent flames shooting into the air and water gushing from nearby sprinkler heads.
When emergency services arrived just before 9:30pm, firefighters found smoke billowing from the affected unit and residents had already evacuated themselves. Using thermal imaging, the team assessed the situation to ensure the fire didn't spread further. After shutting off the faulty sprinklers and removing excess water from the building, they successfully extinguished the flames without sustaining any injuries.
The estimated damage from the blaze is a staggering $60,000, which highlights the importance of regular appliance maintenance. Authorities have emphasized that proper ventilation, installation, and overloading prevention can significantly reduce the risk of similar incidents.
Thanks to prompt evacuation efforts by residents, no lives were lost in the disaster. However, five individuals β including two adults from the unit that caught fire and three others from a nearby apartment β required relocation assistance due to the extensive water damage and smoke inhalation.
The Mountain View Police Department assisted with traffic control for over an hour while firefighters worked to put out the blaze. In light of this incident, authorities have highlighted the National Fire Protection Association's advice on washer/dryer maintenance, which includes cleaning lint buildup and ensuring appliances are installed, vented, and not overloaded.