Fire detector saves home from complete burn

A working smoke detector helped save a home on Via Alicia on July 8 as it alerted the homeowner of a fire before it could get out of control.

Firefighters with North County Fire arrived at the 2,800 square-foot home at approximately 5:40 p.m., and were able to keep the fire in one room instead of having it spread to the entire home.

"Because of a working fire detector, the two individuals at home were alerted, and the residents were not displaced," said North County Fire's John Buchanan. "The homeowner was able to help exterminate the fire with a garden hose. This just goes to show how important these detectors are. It kept a home from being completely destroyed."

North County Fire sent out four fire engines, an ambulance and 14 firefighters plus a fire chief to combat the blaze, which did not occur in the kitchen. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.