12 displaced after Salinas house fire, early investigation points to fireworks

A dozen people were awakened to find their home on fire Wednesday morning after a firework landed on their roof, according to an initial investigation by the Salinas Fire Department.

Six children and six adults were inside the home on the corner of Quilla and Market Streets in East Salinas around midnight when the fire started, according to the Red Cross. The group was able to escape flames when one person inside looked out the window and saw the reflection of flames from her neighbor’s window, according to Salinas Fire Marshal Sam Klemek.

“The daughter of the owner of the house noticed the sound of fireworks,” said Geraldo Garcia, who lived at home. “Then they noticed the house was on fire. They woke up all the daughters and the dad and then we got out.”

A Salinas Fire engine was driving by heading towards another call when they noticed the fire. Crews got on the scene quickly but since the roof was wood, fighting the fire was tricky. An initial investigation points to fireworks.

“When the engine arrived, the fire was on the rooftop and was working its way down and working its way into the house,” said Salinas Fire Inspector Jose Garcia. “That’s very characteristic of illegal fireworks.”

One neighbor, who didn’t want to give KION his name, says he had his headphones on to block out the sound of the fireworks that he says are a problem every year. When he finally did come out he saw the whole roof engulfed by the flames.

“When I ran out to see it the whole place was orange and I thought my house was on fire,” said the neighbor.

He’s glad everyone is alright but believes, fireworks or not, that this whole thing could have been prevented.

“I am not a fireworks fan,” said the neighbor. “I am against it but these people needed a (new) roof a long time ago that roof was a tinder box and this is what we get.”

The Red Cross put the victims up in hotels and gave them money for food. The Salinas Fire Department says they’ve still got some work to do to determine the official cause then the homeowner and insurance company will need to figure how to pay for the damage.

As for any criminal charges, Klemek says that is going to be difficult but there should be more information after the investigation is complete.