News Brief News Brief (August 19, 2005)

Two fires consume separate Mountain View dwellings

Two separate fires on consecutive days last week -- one in a townhouse and another in a single-family home -- caused extensive damage to properties in Mountain View. Luckily, there were no injuries in either blaze.

On Tuesday, Aug. 9, an apparent electrical fire erupted in a single-family home on 1749 Pear Tree Lane. Firefighters used carbon dioxide extinguishers to control the fire until PG&E cut off power to the home. Once the home was de-energized, the firefighters were able to use water to completely suppress the fire and check for extension into the walls and attic.

Then on Wednesday, Aug. 10, a two-story townhouse at 1734 W. El Camino Real burst into flames, resulting in damage estimated at $50,000.

After responding to a 911 call at 6:30 p.m., firefighters arrived at the townhouse to find flames visible in second-story windows. Firefighters searched the residence, and were able to bring the fire under control by 6:52 p.m. Investigators are now working to determine the cause and origin of that fire. -- Jenny Baer

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