Fire at South Bay apartment complex causes $1 million in damages

(KRON) — A fire broke out Saturday afternoon at an apartment complex in Mountain View, the city’s fire department said. The Mountain View Fire Department was notified at 1:24 p.m. regarding a blaze at the residence on the 700 block of S. Oak Street.

Residents living in the two-story apartment complex were able to evacuate before MVFD firefighters arrived, officials said. Crews arrived at around 1:29 p.m. and later discovered that the fire was coming from the second floor. MVFD said the fire started

because of “improper storage of wood-restoration chemicals left on the balcony.”

The fire was “quickly extinguished,” according to MVFD. Upon investigation, MVFD determined the estimated damage was around $1 million.

One bystander was evaluated for injuries but declined to be taken to the hospital, MVFD said. Seven adult residents of the affected apartments received a $250 gift card from the “California Professional Firefighters Union Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency Program.”

The Red Cross assisted in organizing temporary housing for the residents of the units affected by the fire.