Costa Mesa fire respond to residential fire

The Costa Mesa Fire Department’s Arson Investigation Team on Wednesday was investigating the cause and origin of an early-morning structure fire on Rochester Street, department officials said in a news release.

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported, and the occupants of the single-family dwelling at 156 Rochester St. safely evacuated the structure after being alerted by their smoke detector, the release said. The fire caused a preliminary total of $35,000 in estimated damage to the structure and its contents.

Twenty-one firefighters, three engines, a truck, a heavy rescue squad and battalion chief were involved in responding about 2:46 a.m. Wednesday. The Newport Beach Fire Department provided automatic aid, the release said.

Firefighters reached the scene within four minutes, and heavy smoke was coming from the back of the residence. The responders contained the fire’s major damage to the room where it started, according to the release from Costa Mesa Battalion Chief William Kershaw.

Imran Vittachi