Officials Probe Cause of Blaze at Condo Unit

Authorities on Monday were trying to determine the cause of a fire that flared in a Port Hueneme beach condominium before dawn, causing $50,000 in damage and displacing tenants.

The fire at 152 Seaspray Way started at 2:54 a.m. and was put out by two fire engine companies within an hour.

It gutted one condo at Anacapa View Beach Homes, damaged another and left an occupant’s dog affected by smoke inhalation, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

Investigators were still to trying to learn the cause of the blaze Monday afternoon.

The occupants of the home, Mark and Ellen Montalvo, lost most of their belongings in the fire and were put up at a nearby motel by the Red Cross, said Bonnie Murphy, a neighbor whose condo was damaged. Ellen Montalvo’s parents, who lived with the couple, were also displaced, she said.

“It’s pretty much gone,” Murphy said. “Most of their contents were destroyed, and unfortunately, they didn’t have renter’s insurance. It’s pretty sad.”