Pasadena Firefighters Battle Second-Alarm Villa Street Blaze Affecting Multiple Structures, 8 Displaced

[Updated]  A two-alarm fire in the 2000 block of East Villa Street on Monday night displaced eight residents, according to authorities.

The blaze, which affected multiple structures, remains under investigation. No injuries were reported in direct connection with the fire. Two cats were rescued.

According to Pasadena Fire Department information, firefighters arriving at the scene after the 9:04 p.m. callout upgraded the response to a second alarm, requesting additional resources to combat the growing blaze.

Video from the scene shows 30- to 40-foot flames towering over firefighters.

Lisa Derderian, Pasadena Fire Department Press Information Officer, said that the fully-involved fire originated in an open storage area for a woodshop in the middle of a large parcel, extending into units on both sides of the structure.

Fire department resources reportedly confined the fire to the units of the dispatched address.

Knockdown was declared at 9:47 p.m.

According to Derderian, the fire displaced a total of eight residents, including five adults and three children. The American Red Cross assisted and offered temporary housing for those affected. 

The eight displaced residents declined further assistance from the American Red Cross, opting instead to stay with family members, according to Sanchez.

One resident was reportedly evaluated for a dog bite.

Derderian said the Pasadena Fire Department committed six engines, three trucks, two rescue ambulances, and three battalion chiefs to the incident. Other agencies assisted included the San Marino Fire Department, Glendale Fire Department, Arcadia Fire Department, and San Gabriel Fire Department.

An arson investigator was called to the scene to determine the cause of the fire, which affected a French art cabinet maker’s business, authorities said.

Details regarding the extent of the damage were not immediately available.

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241 or report information anonymously through “Crime Stoppers” by calling (800) 222-TIPS (8477), using the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or visiting http://lacrimestoppers.org.