Fires in Capitola, Salinas leave families homeless

Two fires broke out on the central coast Saturday, leaving several families homeless.

First, an early morning fire at an apartment complex in Capitola.

Emergency responders say a building at 30th Avenue and Brommer Street caught on fire just after 4 a.m. Saturday.

Crews say the entire building was evacuated, but no one was hurt.

One resident says another tenant forgot about some candles she left burning.

“It had started out just on her couch, and what had happened was she got really scared because it was 3 or 4 in the morning, and so she got her three kids out and then it just blew up from there,” said Danielle Crain.

Residents say the Red Cross was on scene to help several displaced families. No word yet on the cost from the damage.

Also on Saturday, a fire broke out in a home on the 1600 block of Chico Way in Salinas. Officials say the fire started outside and traveled to a back bedroom. Thirteen people were living at the home and they are now seeking shelter through the Red Cross. The cause is under investigation.