Firefighter Hospitalized But Animals OK In Barn Blaze

Bay City News

A barn-like garage at a home that housed two tortoises and some chickens was damaged in an early morning blaze that sent one firefighter to the hospital for heat exhaustion, Alameda County fire officials said.

Six fire crews responded to the fire on the 17400 block of Almond Road in Castro Valley, Alameda County fire spokeswoman Aisha Knowles said.

The homeowner was trying to extinguish the flames using his garden hose when firefighters arrived at 3:12 am, but the blaze had grown too large.

Fire officials said several animals, including chickens and tortoises, were housed in cages and pens in and around the garage. They said the fire apparently started when a heating pad used to warm the tortoises overheated.

The animals escaped unharmed.

"They scurried over across the yard," according to Battalion Chief Dan O'Hara.

But one firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and was taken to Eden Medical Center for treatment, he said.

The fire was contained to the garage, which sustained moderate damage. Firefighters put out the flames within 10 minutes of their arrival.

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