Redlands Fire Department Defeats Blaze

REDLANDS>> The Redlands Fire Department responded to a structure fire at a single-family home that displaced a family of four Sunday, April 9. No injuries were reported. At about 5:45 p.m. Sunday, April 9, firefighters responded to reports of a structure fire in the 900 block of Elise Drive. Arriving units discovered a single-story home well involved with fire in the front living room and throughout the western portion of the house. Firefighters initiated a search of the building before determining that the residents were not home at the time. The family arrived home as firefighters were attacking the blaze. One nearby home was temporarily evacuated while firefighters fought the blaze. The fire was knocked down in about 15 minutes. Firefighters remained on scene until 8 p.m. performing mop up and salvage operations. Redlands police assisted with traffic and scene control. An ambulance from American Medical Response staged nearby. Cal Fire and Loma Linda provided coverage to the city during the incident. The Redlands Fire Department’s volunteer chaplain responded to the scene to assist the displaced residents. The Fire Department provided the occupants with SAVE (Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergencies) cards through the California Professional Firefighters California Fire Foundation. These cards provide funds to assist with expenses during an emergency incident where significant damage and loss occurs. The Red Cross also is providing assistance for the residents. The cause remains under investigation. Estimated loss to the structure and contents is more than $100,000.