Redlands - Structure - 6-11-12 - Center Fire

An early morning fire gutted a century-old home early Monday morning. One firefighter suffered minor injuries while fighting the blaze. Redlands firefighters responded to the call of a structure fire in the 1300 block of South Center Street at about 5:45 a.m. Monday, June 11. Smoke from the fire could be seen from downtown Redlands, two miles away. When firefighters arrived they found flames coming from the attic of the single story home. During the initial attack on the blaze, as firefighters made their way toward the attic, a burning board struck one firefighter in the chest, causing second-degree burns. The firefighter was treated and remained on scene. About 30 minutes into the call, the roof of the home collapsed. Firefighters who were inside the home were evacuated safely and renewed their attack on the fire. The fire was knocked down at 7 a.m. and crews remained on scene for several hours mopping up. The 2,000-square-foot home was built in 1901 and had recently been renovated. It was unoccupied at the time of the fire. Damage to the home was estimated at $450,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Redlands Fire Department.

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