The San Marino Fire Department, along with fire crews from Alhambra, South Pasadena and Pasadena, responded on April 25 at 3:46 a.m. to a fire in a single-family residence undergoing renovation at 1889 S. Los Robles Ave.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation and no injuries were reported, according to SMFD.
A neighbor who smelled smoke reported the fire by calling 911. Once SMFD arrived at the scene, they found that the unoccupied property was fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters’ early assessment was that the fire originated under the house and burned through the roof.
Firefighters worked to contain the blaze and prevented it from spreading to adjacent trees and homes. The San Marino Police Department simultaneously worked to safely evacuate residents from nearby homes.
“I am thankful to the San Marino fire and police departments, as well as the Alhambra, South Pasadena and Pasadena fire departments, for their swift response to the incident,” Fire Chief Mario Rueda said, adding that he was proud of the professionalism shown across departments. “Our priority is always saving lives, protecting property and ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.
The next day, San Marino firefighters returned to Los Robles Avenue to canvass the neighborhood, speak with homeowners and offer free home inspections, smoke alarm installation and fire safety information.
“While we remain prepared to respond to emergencies, our ultimate goal is to prevent these incidents in the future,” Rueda said.
First published in the May 2 issue of the San Marino Tribune
