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Two Pets Rescued from 5th Floor Condo Fire in Walnut Creek
August 23rd, 2012This afternoon just before 5pm an off duty firefighter reported a fire at the “Keys Condominiums” at 320 N. Civic Drive, in Walnut Creek. The first arriving fire crews found heavy black smoke and flames coming from the windows of a 5th floor condominium. A second alarm was quickly requested to manage the large incident. Six engines, three ladder trucks, a breathing support unit, two ambulances, four battalion chiefs, the fire chief, a public information officer and a safety officer responded to the incident. Responding units came from the City of Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Lafayette, Concord and mutual aid units responded from the Moraga-Orinda Fire District and the San Ramon Valley Fire District.
With an aggressive interior attack the fire was brought under control in 25 minutes containing the main body of fire to the dwelling unit of origin. Given the location of the fire on the 5th floor of the building, ladder trucks were also used to access and control the fire and prevent extension to other areas of the building. Fire crews assisted occupants in evacuation of the complex and were able to save two cats from smoke-filled and damaged condominiums.
With the high afternoon heat, firefighters provided the dozens of displaced occupants with drinking water and assessed those feeling overheated.
A total of three condominium units were damaged too severely for the residents to return, all of which were given temporary housing from the Red Cross or family members. Damage to the structure is estimated at $350,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Miraculously, there were no injuries to citizens or firefighters.
