Garage Fire Displaces Family

By Autumn Johnson

A Livermore family was alerted this morning to a fire in their garage after the smoke alarm in the home went off and alerted them, Livermore Pleasanton Battalion Chief Joe Testa said.

"This is a smoke alarm success story," Testa said. "The entire family was asleep when this fire started."

At around 10:37 a.m. this morning, the Livermore Pleasanton Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire in the 2200 block of Linden Road. 

Testa says the fire, which originated in the corner of the garage, did not extend into the home, although the smoke did reach the living areas.

"We are estimating about $50,000 in damage to the structure of the home and $20,000 in damage to the contents of the home," Testa commented.

Testa added that the family of two adults and four children had nowhere to stay and that the Red Cross is currently providing them shelter for the night.

None of the occupants, nor any fire personnel were injured during the fire. 

Testa said it took about ten minutes to extinguish the fire adding that the cause of the fire was undetermined but there was no suspicion of arson. 

In a statement released by fire officials, traffic in the area was affected for a short time.

"Traffic on North Livermore Avenue was impacted for approximately one hour as multiple lanes had to be closed off by the Livermore Police Department to allow for LPFD operations and vehicles.

A total of 4 Fire Engines, 2 Fire Trucks and Battalion Chief responded to this incident for a total of 21 firefighters. A Paramedic Supervisor and Paramedics Plus ambulance also responded to the scene for standby. No firefighters or civilians reported any injuries related to this incident.

This incident serves as a good reminder to test your smoke detectors and change the batteries every 6 months."