Fire Destroys Parts of Family’s Home

Ten people fled a home Saturday night when a fire broke out inside an adjoining garage, authorities said.

There were no injuries, but the garage, a bedroom and two vehicles were destroyed in the 7:15 p.m. blaze in the 6000 block of Calle Arena Road near Leisure Village, authorities said.

A gas-powered clothes dryer may have started the fire, family members said.

There was extensive smoke and water damage to the main section of the house, and fire officials called the American Red Cross to help family members find a place to stay.

“Now we have to start over and find a brand-new place. It’s all worthless now,” said Jose Espinoza, 22, who lives in the house with six other family members. The family had rented the property for seven years.

Espinoza said he tried unsuccessfully to douse the flames with a garden hose.

At the time the fire broke out, the family was at home along with three relatives who were visiting. As neighbors ran to help, flames shot more than 20 feet in the air, a witness said.