At  1152 on January 23 Angwin Fire was dispatched to 580 North White Cottage Road for a structure fire.  Angwin responded in force with 2 Engines, 1 Truck, 1 Water Tender, 1 Rescue and three Chief Officers to lead the charge.

Upon arrival the on duty Chief Officer observed smoke coming from the attic space of the single story residence and once confirming no one was in the building he began to coordinate the effort to extinguish the threat.  Arriving within minutes of dispatch Truck 18, Engine 218 and Engine 1450 (Cal Fire) started to work.  Four firefighters and an officer made entrance into the structure on initial attack.  Seeing charring in one spot on the living room ceiling they made access there and went to work.

Once they gained access to the attic they saw slow smoldering fire in the rafters and insulation in the ceiling above the living room.  The remainder of burned ceiling was removed and fire extinguished with minimal use of water.

During final extinguishment and overhaul firefighters made quick work continuing to salvaging valuables from the area as well as determining cause of the fire. The fire caused approximately $80,000 worth of damage to the ceiling and electrical infrastructure, and firefighters are credited with saving over $200,000 worth of the families property inside. 

Although the fire was contained within 30 minutes of arrival, firefighters from Angwin Fire, Las Posadas and St. Helena Stations of Cal Fire remained on scene for two and a half hours more removing debris, securing and cleaning the home for the residents.  It is believed that the blaze was started by an electrical malfunction in the ceiling of the living room.

The residents will be able to reinhabit the structure once the ceiling is repaired and power restored.   The Pacific Union College Seventh Day Adventist Church is assisting the residents with lodging and other needs.