On Friday, Feb. 24 at 12:42 a.m., a 9-1-1 call was received reporting the smell of smoke coming from a tree that had fallen through the roof of a multi-family residence in the 1900 block of Rock Street.

Fire units were dispatched at 12:42 a.m. and arrived on scene at 12:46 a.m. to find that a 100-foot Redwood tree fell onto a multi-family two-story residence. The tree appeared to have been struck by lightning resulting in a five to six foot in diameter branch falling through the attic of the residence.

Firefighters assessed the situation and called for a City building inspector to respond. The building inspector yellow-tagged two units, meaning the property is moderately damaged to the degree that its habitability is limited.

The Fire Department contacted the American Red Cross Duty Officer to assess the needs and assist with providing the five residents and their two cats of the two yellow-tagged units with available resources.

The residents of two yellow-tagged units declined assistance from the American Red Cross for housing. Instead, three residents elected to stay with family nearby, and two residents stayed in a local hotel. The residents of the yellow-tagged units received a $250 gift card from the California Professional Firefighters Union Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency Program. The residents of the other two units, which were not yellow-tagged, were allowed to return to their homes.

The cause was determined to be weather related. The estimated damage to the contents and structure is $100,000. The residence was turned over to the property management to coordinate the tree removal and restoration.

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