SANTA BARBARA – At 6 am this morning SB City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 1023 De La Vina Street. The first unit to arrive found a second story apartment fully involved in the fire.  The apartment was sandwiched on both sides by other units and was above a common garage.

 

The fire department asked for help and  the response was escalated to four Engine companies, one Truck company as well as a Battalion Chief. An Air and Lighting Unit was also deployed.

 

The apartment was not occupied when emergency crews arrived. The Truck Company chopped a hole in the roof to create a ventilation hole to help confine the fire to the involved unit.

 

There were no injuries to occupants or firefighters. The fire is currently under investigation.

 

The City Fire noted that occupants of adjacent units were alerted to the emergency by functioning smoke detectors. Authorities said "Please take the time to be sure your detectors are fully operational. It is recommended that smoke detector batteries be changed twice each year to coincide with the time changes."

 

Photos courtesy SB City Fire Department