2 Alarm Fire in Walnut Creek Displaces 13

At 1:44 am this morning, units from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District were dispatched to a reported structure fire in a multi-story multi-family residential apartment building in the 500 block of N. Civic Drive in Walnut Creek.

Fire units arrived to find 3 to 4 apartment units on the first and second story of the building heavily involved with fire. Defensive firefighting from the exterior was initiated to knock down the intensity of the fire and protect the adjacent apartment building that was receiving significant radiant heat exposure. A second alarm was quickly called by the first arriving crews for more assistance. As additional crews arrived and the intensity of the fire was reduced, firefighters began interior operations and firefighting efforts.

Firefighters were successful in saving the adjacent apartment building and in limiting the fire spread to four units in the building of origin. Two additional apartment units in the building suffered water damage. The fire was declared under control at approximately 2:30am.

A total of 7 adults and 6 children were displaced by the fire and many were assisted by the American Red Cross with temporary housing.

A total of 35 firefighters, including three chief officers, a safety officer, and a public information officer were summoned to the scene. The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District provided mutual aid response to the scene and station coverage in Walnut Creek.

There were no injuries. All occupants were able to exit on their own. The building was equipped with smoke alarms in each bedroom of each apartment unit. The building was not equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler system.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and damage estimates were not immediately available.

This morning’s fire is a reminder to test residential smoke alarms monthly. Residential smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom and in the hallway leading to the bedrooms with at least one smoke alarm on each level of the home or apartment unit.

Media Contact: Lewis Broschard, Fire Marshal/PIO
Phone: 925-383-5017

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