On Monday, Nov. 3, at 10:58 a.m., a 9-1-1 call was received reporting fire in a multi-story, multi-family apartment complex in the 800 block of Heatherstone Way. The building's occupants self-evacuated before firefighters arrived.

Fire units were dispatched at 10:59 a.m. and arrived on the scene at 11:04 a.m. Units arrived to find an active fire coming from an apartment on the second floor of a two-story, multi-family residential apartment complex. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames with a fire-attack hose line, preventing the fire from spreading further into the building.

Firefighters performed an extensive overhaul of the affected apartments, cutting open walls and ceiling to ensure complete extinguishment of the flames. Firefighters used thermal imaging cameras to measure heat behind the drywall to ensure the fire did not spread.

Property management arranged temporary housing for the four residents before the fire crews left the scene.

The fire was extinguished with no injuries. The Mountain View Police Department provided traffic control for 1.5 hours while fire units and equipment were on the scene.

Storage shelving in a closet was determined to be the origin of the fire. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, due to the improper use of candles. The estimated damage to the contents and structure is $50,000. The building was turned over to the building management before fire crews left the scene.

By following a few safety tips, you can prevent these fires.

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Keep candles at least 1 foot away from anything that can burn.
• Never place a candle under a shelf, as the rising heat can cause the shelf and anything on it to catch fire.
• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

Media Contact
Robert Maitland, Fire Department PIO
650-903-6825 or robert.maitland@mountainview.gov