Residential Fire in the 1100 Block of California Street

Residential Fire in the 1100 Block of California StreetFirefighters respond to reports of flames in a multi-family residencePost Date:10/06/2025 8:56 p.m. On Monday, Oct. 6, at 4:35 p.m., a 9-1-1 call was received reporting fire on the corner of a multi-story, multi-family residence in the 1100 block of California Street. The building's occupants self-evacuated before firefighters arrived. Fire units were dispatched at 4:36 p.m. and arrived on the scene at 4:39 p.m. Units arrived to find an active fire coming from the exterior of a two-story, multi-family residential home. The fire quickly spread up the side of the home and into the attic of the structure. The design of the century-old building allowed for flames to quickly spread into the voids and into the second floor of the home. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames with an aggressive exterior fire-attack, coupled with a preconnected interior hose line, preventing the fire from spreading further into the building. Firefighters performed an extensive overhaul of the building by cutting open the ceiling, walls, and roof to ensure complete extinguishment of the flames. Firefighters used thermal imaging cameras to measure the heat behind the drywall, ensuring the fire did not spread. The three adult residents living in the home received a $250 gift card from the California Professional Firefighters Union Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency Program. All three residents coordinated temporary housing before the fire crews left the scene. The fire was extinguished with no injuries. The Mountain View Police Department provided traffic control for three hours while fire units and equipment were on the scene. The recycling bin was determined to be the origin of the fire. The cause of the fire was accidental, due to the improper disposal of smoking materials. The estimated damage to the contents and structure is $150,000. 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. • Douse smoking materials in water or sand before discarding • Ensure smoking materials are completely extinguished before discarding them • Dispose of extinguished cigarette materials in a non-combustible container • Never smoke in bed Media Contact Robert Maitland, Fire Department PIO 650-903-6825 or [email protected] Return to full list >>