Car fire damages duplex in Paso Robles

Paso Robles Department of Emergency released the following information Tuesday:

Around 12:34 a.m. Paso Robles Department of Emergency Services was dispatched to a single-family residential structure fire at 914 Brookhill Road.

The first fire engine reached the scene within approximately eight minutes. This initial fire crew reported a single-car garage of a duplex unit to be fully involved with fire. The fire had also begun to extend into the living portion of one home.

The sole occupant, an elderly male, was awakened by a smoke detector. He attempted to fight the fire in the garage with an extinguisher, but was quickly driven out by smoke. Firefighters from Paso Robles, Atascadero, Templeton, and SLO County worked diligently to limit fire spread to one-half of the duplex.

An extensive amount of items stored in the garage, along with exploding ammunition and a leaking propane cylinder, hampered firefighting efforts. In total, 16 firefighters operating from 6 engines and 3 chief officers worked to contain the fire.

Additional assistance was provided by Paso Robles Police Department and San Luis Ambulance Service.

The American Red Cross responded to tend to the victim’s immediate needs.

The cause of the fire was not readily apparent and is under investigation. The resident sustained minor injuries, was evaluated on scene and released. Property damage to one of the duplex units was extensive.

The second duplex unit sustained minor smoke damage.