Fire investigators suspect arson in the fire that caused about
$50,000 in damage to a La Roda Court home Friday, fire personnel
reported.
Fire investigators suspect arson in the fire that caused about $50,000 in damage to a La Roda Court home Friday, fire personnel reported.
Fire investigator Jeremy Davis could not immediately be reached for further details.
The rental home erupted in flames Friday morning, causing significant damage to the west Morgan Hill residence before firefighters could extinguish the blaze.
Santa Clara County Fire Department Chief Joe Parker said the blaze was initially called in as a two-alarm fire, because neighbors reported that a special needs teen lived there and was usually home. Six engines, a truck, two battalion chiefs and a hazardous materials unit responded but some were canceled enroute when firefighters on the first engine found the home empty, he said.
Morgan Hill police officers were on the scene as well, with four police cars blocking traffic on La Crosse Drive so firefighters could lay hose.
The fire broke out shortly before 9:30 a.m., and when the first engine arrived on scene, flames could be seen shooting out the front window. By 9:45 a.m., smoke and flames could be seen coming out from under the second story eaves. Children and parents from Paradise Valley Elementary School across the street watched as thick black smoke billowed skyward.
In addition to the $50,000 in estimated property damages, $50,000 in damages to the home’s content are estimated. The two-story, three car garage home, at 15915 La Roda Court, had a “For Rent” sign posted on the front lawn. Police said the current renters were in the process of moving out. One resident, a young woman in jeans and a sweatshirt, cried as she watched firefighters clean up after they extinguished the fire about 10:15 a.m.
New Paradise Valley Principal Phil Duncan made an impression Friday morning. After his secretary spotted the smoke and called 911, Duncan alerted the sleeping residents of neighboring homes.
“I’ve had some experience with house fires. I know what it’s like,” Duncan said. All but the garage of a previous home of Duncan’s was lost in a fire, he said.
