SACRAMENTO, Calif. (PSN) — A three-alarm fire broke out early Tuesday morning at the corner of 26th and G Streets in downtown Sacramento, heavily damaging two homes. Firefighters from multiple agencies responded to the scene and successfully prevented the flames from spreading to nearby structures, according to Sacramento Fire Department spokesperson Captain Justin Sylvia.
"When crews arrived, we had two structures well involved," Sylvia stated. "A second alarm was immediately requested to get more resources. Whenever we have two houses going, we always want to make sure we have enough resources to fight both fires."
The fire, which began in one home and spread quickly to the attic of a neighboring two-story house, presented significant challenges. "Once ventilation holes were cut into the roof, we had heavy fire conditions coming from that roof," Sylvia explained. "A hose line was brought to the roof, but this roof is compromised. We're starting to see some partial collapse at this point."
Despite these obstacles, firefighters managed to limit the spread of the fire. "Crews did an excellent job of getting in here and knocking it down, just limiting that growth to the two houses," Sylvia added. "If you see on the back, or the Charlie [back] side as we call it, there's structures that are right there next to it, as well as trees and power lines. This could have taken down a whole block."
No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. "It's unknown at this time if the homes were occupied during the fire," said Sylvia. "Investigators are responding, but they're not going to be able to go in until after this fire is extinguished."
Fire crews from West Sacramento Fire, Sacramento Metro Fire, and the Sacramento Fire Department were on scene, with a third alarm called as the operation became more extensive. "Once we start getting into extended operations, we want to make sure that we're rotating crews out. When they breathe through two bottles, they need a break to cool off, regain composure, and get their heart rates down before they can reengage," Sylvia noted.
The Sacramento Fire Department switched to defensive operations once the risk of roof collapse increased. "When we go defensive, it's just a lot more water, and it makes it a lot safer for firefighters to not be inside, engaged in the firefight," Sylvia explained.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with officials waiting for the site to be safe for examination.
