Edhat Staff
Update by Amy Katz
Local resident Francisco Valadez was home alone in a multifamily property in the 800 block of Orange Ave. on the westside of Santa Barbara. After returning from the Farmer’s market Sunday morning his grandchildren banged on his door yelling, “The House is on Fire!”
Many of his neighbors also called his daughter Mary and she called the Fire Department as she raced back home.
It was the attached dwelling next door that had flames and smoke billowing out of it, sending black plumes all the way to the waterfront.
No one was home when it began as the whole family, including children, were in Santa Maria for the day, according to the Valadez family.
The cause is unknown, although Mr. Valadez thinks it may have been a kitchen fire based on its location.
The Fire Department responded in full force, and put out the fire in a couple of hours, containing it so it did not spread to the other residences that are quite close together in that neighborhood.
The families who were rendered homeless were connected with the local Red Cross.
Amy Katz interviews neighbors in the 800 block of Orange Ave in Santa Barbara following a house fire on August 4, 2024 (Video by Amy Katz)
Structure Fire on Santa Barbara’s Westside
Reported by the edhat staff
Emergency personnel are currently on the scene of a structure fire at 805 Orange Ave. in Santa Barbara’s westside neighborhood.
Santa Barbara City firefighters responded to the incident at 5:29 p.m. Sunday. Numerous engines and resources are on the scene battling the working wire.
Edhat’s volunteer scanner reporters have detailed there is a possible injury to a firefighters assigned to this incident, however, this has not been confirmed. Evacuations may be taking place to nearby residences.
Details regarding the cause of the fire or any potential injuries have not been made available at this time.
According to real estate records, the property at 805 Orange Ave is described as a four bedroom, three bathroom single family residence.
Further updates will be provided as they become accessible to the news team. Community members are urged to stay clear of the area to allow emergency services to efficiently manage the situation.
Originally reported by BobScan
Structure fire in the 800 block of Orange Ave in SB. Call time is 5:29p (Sunday).
Hearing evacuations of neighbors, possibly an injured firefighter on the scene.
Thank you for reporting on this and for the photos. We were looking out at the smoke, trying to figure out the exact location. We guessed close to Loma Alta. Man, but that smoke was something else for a while. We never heard a single siren. Hoping there are no firefighters injured and all others are well, too.
That truly sucks. House fires are so devastating. What isn’t burnt by flames is ruined by smoke. It’s a horrible tragedy to experience losing all you have. I pray this family had renters/home insurance. For all those who rent, use this moment to go sign up for renters insurance online. Less than 100 bucks a year can cover tens of thousands of dollars in belongings, relocation assistance, temporary housing…the list goes on. Don’t wait.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-paulina-rebuild-after-home-loss