Updated: Residents of the house were rescued from the backyard when firefighters arrived to the scene.
PLEASANTON, CA — Three people were hospitalized with suspected burn injuries and pets were killed after a serious house fire early Thursday morning in Pleasanton.
The Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department responded around 6:40 a.m. to battle a blaze at a single-story home in the 7500 block of Driftwood Way. Firefighters initially fought the flames from outside, but were able to move inside as they gained traction, according to a statement from the fire department.
The fire was out in 20 minutes, but the home is unlivable after significant heat and smoke damage to the garage and living area caused some $850,000, officials say. Belongings tucked away in drawers and closets will be salvaged. A car parked in the garage driveway was destroyed.
Firefighters arrived to find three residents of the home had escaped to the backyard, but were trapped there. Firefighters rescued them, but an unknown number of pets died in the fire.
The residents were treated by firefighters at the scene and hospitalized with minor to moderate injuries that firefighters believe are burn-related, said Battalion Chief Jason Solak.
Firefighters were able to protect the surrounding homes, said Deputy Fire Chief Aaron Lacey.
Some streets in the area remained closed Thursday afternoon as firefighters continued to investigate.
The investigation is being handled by officials with the fire department, Pleasanton Police Department and Alameda County Arson Task Force — a group of fire investigators that’s routinely called in to help when a fire causes significant damage and injuries.
LPFD responded to a separate Pleasanton building fire this week in an abandoned area that appeared to be a former campsite or community compound. Another building at the site was found smoldering when firefighters arrived and arson is suspected.
Source: https://patch.com/california/pleasanton/house-fire-burns-thursday-pleasanton