House Fire Causes $140,000 in Damage
A fire erupted Friday inside a single-story home in the small community of Mira Monte outside Ojai, forcing a couple to flee and causing $140,000 in damage, officials said.
The blaze started shortly after 8 a.m. in a master bedroom in the 1300 block of Orchard Drive, Ventura County Fire Capt. Bob Myers said. The fire gutted a large portion of the home and its attic before it was doused about 8:30 a.m.
Renters Carlos and Annette Torres were home when the fire started, but fled after hearing a thumping noise and then seeing smoke. Neither resident was injured.
“They thought someone was knocking at the door,” Myers said.
Flames came close to electrical lines outside, but did not threaten adjacent homes in the residential area near the intersection of California 33 and 150.
Six engine companies with 21 firefighters were called. Damage to the 1,000-square-foot structure was $100,000 and the loss of personal items, furniture and clothing was estimated at $40,000.
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