Morning Fire Guts Simi Valley Home

Sixteen people were left homeless Saturday morning after a fire caused by an electrical malfunction in a lamp cord swept through their Simi Valley home, authorities said.

Twelve- to 15-foot flames were leaping from the roof of the Hilgard Avenue dwelling when firefighters arrived, said Capt. Tom Niemann of the Ventura County Fire Department. A van in a carport was also aflame, he said.

The fire gutted the single-family home, causing an estimated $70,000 worth of damage to the $100,000 house, said Vicki Sosa, a Fire Department spokeswoman.

Ten adults and six children were living at the home. Two of the residents were treated for smoke inhalation at a local hospital and released, Sosa said.

A smoke detector alerted the occupants to the 4 a.m. blaze and is credited with providing enough warning for them to escape without serious injury, she said.

The Red Cross provided the home’s occupants with emergency lodging at a local hotel as well as food and clothing.