Early morning blaze destroys Sonoma residence

Firefighters are still investigating the cause of the blaze that injured one at a house located on San Carlos Drive.|

The occupant of a San Carlos Drive residence Wednesday suffered what was described as major injuries as the result of an early morning fire.

The man, who was believed to be in his 70s, was found by firefighters in a hallway trying to get out of the residence. He was transported by helicopter to UC Davis.

Battalion Chief Spencer Andreis, with Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue, said firefighters received a call at around 1 a.m. Wednesday from someone in the vicinity of Boyes Boulevard and Railroad Avenue reporting that there was some haze and the smell of smoke in the area. An engine went out to investigate but by the time the firefighters found the source of the smoke, there were active flames in the residence at 17936 San Carlos Dr.

“The fire had gained momentum and at that point, we upgraded the alarm,” Andreis said.

Firefighters from Sonoma Valley, Schell-Vista and Kenwood battled the blaze, which all but destroyed the house. They got the fire under control in about 45 minutes, but were on scene until after 4 a.m.

At daybreak, firefighters returned to investigate the cause.

Andreis said there were smoke alarms in the residence.

Fire investigators are looking for not only the cause of the fire but where it started, Andreis said.

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