Cliff Drive Apartment Fire Quickly Doused

News release from the Laguna Beach Fire Department:

Laguna Beach firefighters responded to a working structure fire at a 30-unit, multi-level apartment complex Saturday, situated in the 200 block of Lower Cliff Drive in downtown Laguna Beach.

Immediately after arrival, Captain Eric Lether and his crew from Laguna Engine #1, along with other Laguna Beach and Orange County Fire Authority firefighters, made their way down two flights of exterior stairs to locate and stop the fire from spreading to the adjacent units.

Just after 4 p.m. Saturday, an occupant of the apartment complex was returning home, when a loud smoke alarm grabbed his attention, promptly followed by the realization that heavy smoke was coming out of his unit. Just prior to that, a number of nearby neighbors heard the smoke alarm and quickly called for fire department assistance.

"The presence of a working smoke alarm certainly increased the early 911 notifications and our emergency response to this incident," said Dan Stefano, Laguna Beach Fire Division Chief. "As a result, no one was injured and our firefighters were able to contain the fire to one unit, preventing any further damage to the apartment complex."

The cause of the fire has been determined to be related to a wall heater, but remains under investigation. No injuries were reported and preliminary property damage is estimated at $50,000.

"With cooler winter temperatures now starting to be felt during this time of year, it is vital that combustible items, such as floor rugs, window coverings and clothing are not placed on top of, adjacent to, or within three feet of any type of home heating device."