MIDDLETOWN — Two residents of Barnes Street returned to their home late Friday evening to find it engulfed in flames, CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Greg Bertelli said.
The fire was reported by a neighbor, concerned it was a possible wildland fire. The residents of the house also called for help at approximately 11:30 p.m., firefighters were quick to respond.
CAL FIRE Capt. Bob Barron was first to the scene, taking aggressive action to ensure minimal spread. No other houses sustained damages. Both CAL FIRE and South Lake County Fire responded, the first two engines arrived 13 minutes after the call, according to dispatch records.
Five engines responded and approximately 20 firefighters in total. Fire officials were equip with vegetation response as well, as initial reports claimed a possible wildfire.
Firefighters were on the scene until about 8 a.m., said Bertelli.
The residents” three cats and one dog died in the fire and the house was destroyed, Bertelli said. The Red Cross responded to the fire and offered shelter and temporary assistance for the couple.
