A fire believed to have been caused by candles and incense damaged a two-bedroom condo on Wednesday morning, leaving the resident with minor injuries, officials said.
Units from the Santa Monica Fire Department responded to the 1400 block of 19th Street around 2 a.m. after receiving a call regarding a bedroom fire, said SMFD Cpt. Scott Ziegert.
Three engine companies, one truck company, one rescue ambulance and a battalion chief arrived at the scene shortly thereafter. One additional engine company, fire investigators and police department personnel assisted with the emergency.
It took firefighters approximately 20 minutes to extinguish the flames. A woman living in the condo awoke to the sound of her smoke alarm and escaped with minor injuries. She was treated by paramedics at the scene. There were no other reported injuries.
The contents of the unit are a total loss and the structural integrity of the structure will need to be evaluated, Ziegert said. The unit to the west of the fire suffered heavy smoke damage as well as damage to the interior walls adjacent to the condo where the fire erupted. DAILY PRESS
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 24, 2008. Read the original PDF.