SANTEE, Calif. — Massive flames engulfed a two-story home on the 8700 block of Ruocco Drive, with heavy smoke billowing above the treetops, just before 3:00 a.m.
“The roof was engulfed in flames and they were like 20 feet high, you know, kind of gusting up into the air,” said neighbor John Barnhart.
People living nearby awoke to the fiery scene, startled by the size of the flames.
“We just scrambled,” said Ken Stevens, who lives across the street. “It was pretty scary, woke up around 2:30 a.m. because the dogs are going nuts, and you have the flames coming out of the roof.”
He called 911, then rushed his family out of the house as quickly as he could, fearing the blaze would spread.
“We got the dogs in the car, got the bag packed,” said Stevens. “We were ready to go but the fire department came down, did their job, did a great job.”
The Santee Fire Department responded at 2:51 a.m., and told CBS 8 it was a stubborn fire, taking nearly a half-hour to knock down with more than 40 firefighters on scene.
“I was hoping our neighbor got out of the house and I think everybody did get out of the house safely,” said Barnhart.
The three people home at the time all got out safely, but one was transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation. The Red Cross was on the scene to support the displaced residents. All three people are now reportedly staying with family in the area.
With plenty of trees and brush in the area, the fire could’ve easily spread to neighboring homes, but weather conditions helped to keep the blaze at bay.
“Luckily it was raining so it kept the flames from spreading,” said Stevens.
“There was a big downpour at midnight, and it got everything damp,” said Barnhart.
Firefighters remained on the scene until nearly 6:00 a.m. doing overhaul work. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.