Fire damages two homes, destroys outbuilding in San Mateo

SAN MATEO, Calif. (BCN/KTVU) - Two homes were damaged and an outbuilding was destroyed in a Friday morning fire in the 1100 block of Norton Street in San Mateo.

Fire crews arriving within five minutes of being notified just before 11 a.m. found the fire was "well-involved" to the rear of a large two-story single family home and was spreading to a neighboring home and outbuilding.

A second alarm was sounded and some 40 San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department personnel from eight fire engines, two ladder trucks, a breathing support unit, and several command vehicles responded.

Power was shut off to more than 200 residences in the neighborhood by PG&E due to a downed line.

A utility pole also had to be replaced.

San Mateo police redirected traffic in the area and located a dog that escaped from a yard.

All of the occupants of the homes were able to escape.

One firefighter suffered a foot injury, but no other injuries to residents or firefighters were reported.

Eight people were displaced due to damage to the homes, officials said.

The fire caused an estimated $350,000 in damage.

Investigators have not determined a cause, but do not believe the blaze to be suspicious.

Total damage caused by the fire is estimated at $350,000, officials said.

Working smoke alarms are credited with allowing the occupants of the home where the fire originated to escape.

San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department reminds people to have working smoke alarms in their home