On Jan.14, Ventura City Fire units responded to a reported structure fire in the 800 block of Casmalia Lane. The first arriving unit reported black smoke showing from behind a closed metal door to a 2-car garage, located on the ground floor of a multi-story condo complex positioned above, possible smoke also coming from the third story directly above.
Occupants of the involved condo had exited the structure prior to arrival of Fire personnel, and were reporting two feline pets unaccounted for and possibly in the garage. Fire attack crews deployed hose lines while the support company used gas-powered rotary saws to force open and remove the garage door. Additional crews thoroughly searched the upper four floors and other adjoining units to assess for possible extension of fire and/or smoke.
The fire was knocked down quickly, confined to the garage and its contents, with minimal smoke intrusion into the remainder of the involved condo unit. The two feline pets were eventually located, hiding but apparently unharmed. The cause and origin of the fire remains under investigation, one civilian with minor injuries was treated and released by an ambulance at the scene. No other injuries were reported at the time of this release.
