15 people displaced after fire destroys duplex in Salinas

UPDATE 11:32 A.M.: Fifteen people are displaced after a fire destroyed a duplex in Salinas Saturday morning.

The Salinas Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at the corner of Amarillo Way and Nogal Drive at 9:17 a.m.

Battalion Chief Herb Shoemaker said assistance from the Presidio of Monterey, Monterey County Regional Fire and North County fire was needed to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby homes.

The fire may have started after a child was playing with fire in a bedroom closet, Shoemaker said.

Two people suffered minor injuries but refused medical attention, Shoemaker said. Four families lived in the duplex, including eight adults and seven children. They are now receiving aid from the American Red Cross.

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The Salinas Fire Department is on scene of a house fire at the corner of Amarillo way and Nogal Drive.

A witness told News Channel 5 several people were evacuated after a fire broke out at about 9 a.m.

It’s unknown how the fire started.

Firefighters have blocked Amarillo Way.

We will update this story as more information becomes available.