NEIGHBOR HEARS SMOKE DETECTOR, CALLS FIRE DEPT.

December 15, 2009 (Spring Valley) -- San Miguel Firefighters responded to a structure fire on the 600 Block of Brady Court, in the La Presa area. No one was home when the fire ignited. Fortunately, a neighbor heard the smoke alarm sound, investigated, saw thick black smoke coming from the roof and called 9-1-1.

Firefighters quickly put on the flames, containing fire damage to the home’s family room and ceiling. During a search for possible victims, firefighters found and rescued a small family dog. The flames were knocked down in about 30 minutes. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. A dollar loss to the structure and contents has not been determined. “Without question, a working and effective smoke alarm helped keep damage to a minimum,” concluded Leonard Villareal, public information officer for San Miguel Fire.