Six people displaced following house fire in Santa Maria

Six people are homeless Friday after a fire tore through their Santa Maria home.

It happened at about 1:30 p.m. on the 300 block of West Orchard Street. More than 15 Santa Maria City firefighters responded to the house fire.

Fire crews successfully prevented the flames from spreading to neighboring homes. All six people who live in the home got out safely.

“Initial crews saw heavy smoke coming from the single family dwelling, they met with residents on the sidewalk who stated that no one else was inside the building, so they were able to set up and make a quick attack on the fire,” said Santa Maria City Fire Battalion Chief Tony Clayburg. “We had additional crews come in, total of four engines and one truck, quick interior attack and vertical ventilation helped keep the fire under control.”

Damage from the flames and smoke is extensive, and the Red Cross is working to find accommodations for the six people left homeless.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.