Crime & Safety

Dryer Fire Damages Home, Displaces Family

Does about $75,000 in damage to the Paloma Drive residence.

By City News Service

A dryer malfunction caused a fire that heavily damaged a two-story house in Mission Viejo Sunday, routing a family of five from the residence but injuring no one, authorities said.

The fire in the first block of Paloma Drive was reported at 4:11 p.m. and was brought under control about 30 minutes later, said Capt. Steve Concialdi of the Orange County Fire Authority.

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The blaze, which was determined to be an accident, started in the home's laundry room and quickly spread to the kitchen and living room despite efforts by one homeowner to douse the flames with a garden hose, Concialdi said.

About 30 firefighters responded and contained the fire to the home's first floor, but the house was left uninhabitable, he said.

Find out what's happening in Mission Viejowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The American Red Cross was summoned to assist the family—a father, mother and three kids—in finding temporary lodging, Concialdi said.

The captain reminded residents to call 911 immediately and quickly exit in the event of a house or other structure fire.

The homeowner in this case reported that water from the garden hose had little or no effect on the flames, Concialdi said, adding that it was fortunate he was not injured.

Concialdi said fires caused $51,000 damage to the structure and $25,000 damage to the contents within the home.

Concialdi advised residents to regularly check their dryer vents to insure they are free of lint, which can heat up and spark a fire.   


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