On Sunday, March 3 at 4:32 a.m., a 9-1-1 call was received reporting flames coming from the backside of a two-story, four-unit apartment complex in the 600 block of Leksich Avenue. The occupants of the apartment complex self-evacuated before fire crews arrived on the scene.

City of Mountain View Fire Department units were dispatched at 4:33 a.m. and the first engine company arrived on the scene at 4:38 a.m. The first engine on the scene arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the rear of the structure. The first in engine company engaged the flames with a 1 ¾ inch fire-attack hose line, preventing further spread of the fire into the neighboring homes. A second alarm was called to bring additional resources to the scene of the incident. Firefighters from the Palo Alto Fire Department joined Mountain View firefighters in the fire attack. Fire crews from Santa Clara City, Santa Clara County and Sunnyvale responded to four medical calls in the City of Mountain View while City of Mountain View Fire Department resources were fighting this fire.

Firefighters performed an extensive overhaul of the apartment complex by cutting open the walls and ceiling to ensure complete extinguishment of the flames. The Mountain View Police Department closed traffic on Leksich Avenue while fire units and equipment were on the scene.

A family of four from one of the apartments was evaluated for smoke inhalation and difficulty breathing resulting from the fire. Care was transferred to Santa Clara County Ambulance for further evaluation, and they were transported to a local Hospital. The fire was extinguished with no further injuries. Traffic was reopened in both directions of Leksich Avenue.

The residents of the affected units received $250 gift cards from the California Professional Firefighters Union Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency Program. The American Red Cross and the apartment building management were contacted to coordinate temporary housing for the residents while the apartment complex is restored.

Based on witness statements, video from the incident and a preliminary investigation, the origin of the fire was determined to be the laundry room in a first-floor apartment. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The estimated damage to the contents and structure is $500,000.

Media Contact
Robert Maitland, Fire Department PIO
650-903-6825 or robert.maitland@mountainview.gov