Thirteen displaced by Livermore apartment fire

Jun. 17--LIVERMORE -- The cause of a two-alarm apartment fire that displaced 13 residents Tuesday was under investigation, authorities said.

At 12:02 p.m., firefighters responded to reports of a fire at a building in the 700 block of Hayes Avenue, Livermore-Pleasanton Fire deputy chief Joe Testa said in a statement.

Multiple engines, trucks and battalion chiefs arrived to find flames coming from two second-floor apartments. Alameda County Fire Department firefighters joined to fight the fire and protect nearby units.

All of the residents were able to escape on their own, but two suffered minor injuries and one was taken by ambulance to a hospital. That person's condition was not immediately available Tuesday afternoon. No pets or animals were injured, firefighters said.

The fire was extinguished, leaving the two apartments with heavy damage and several nearby units suffering smoke and water damage. Preliminary evidence suggests the fire began on a second-floor balcony before spreading inside, apparently triggering a smoke alarm that woke at least one resident who escaped safely.

The apartment building's manager and an insurance company were working to find temporary housing for thirteen displaced residents.

An initial damage estimate for the blaze was $700,000 worth of property loss.

Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.

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