Structure Fire In Del Mesa Carmel Residential Community

Carmel, CA…– It was dark and stormy when firefighters from the Cypress Fire Protection District/CAL FIRE were dispatched at 3:53 a.m. to a structure fire in the Del Mesa Carmel residential community. A nearby neighbor had smelled smoke and called 911. Assistance was provided by the Carmel Fire Department, Carmel Highlands Fire Protection District, Pebble Beach Fire Department, Monterey Regional Fire Protection District, and CAL FIRE. Seven fire engines, one truck, a Breathing Support Unit, a Battalion Chief, a Fire Investigator, and a Public Information Officer assisted in this incident, for a total of 31 firefighters.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the residence fully involved, and threatening a nearby residence.
The initial hydrant selected to provide water was not functional, so another one was used, but an additional hydrant had to be used also to provide sufficient water. During suppression of the fire, a valve on a gas main burned off, releasing gas into the fire. However, firefighters were eventually able to make a sustained exterior attack, reducing damage to the neighboring home, and contained the fire at 6:31 a.m.

The fire was declared extinguished at 9:44 a.m.

The owners were redecorating the newly purchased home and were living in a nearby rental, so no one was home at the time of the fire. Even the residents next door were away. Loss of the residence was estimated to be $750,000, and damage to the adjacent home was estimated to be about $300,000. There were no injuries to firefighters as a result of the fire.

Who: Cypress Fire Protection District/CAL FIRE
What: Residential Structure Fire
When: February 17, 2016; Dispatched 3:53 a.m., Contained 6:31 a.m., Controlled 9:44
a.m.
Where: Del Mesa Carmel, Carmel, CA 93923