A resident and the family dog escaped a fire Tuesday that damaged more than half of a home in Menlo Park, a fire investigator said.
The one-alarm fire was reported at 10:57 a.m. Tuesday at 52 Willow Road, which was occupied by a relative of the owner and their dog.
Fire Investigator Jon Johnston said the blaze started on the exterior of the building and worked its way onto the roof easement, later spreading into the attic. The whole attic was a loss, he said.
“Neighbors said they heard a pop and then saw flames on the side of the house,” Johnston said. The owner of the home was not present, so the relative called 911 and got the family dog out of the house, he said.
Actual damages are not known at this time, but it is estimated that about 50 percent of the interior was damaged from the smoke. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
“Because of the location, firefighters from Palo Alto, Redwood City and Menlo Park responded,” said Battalion Chief Mike Sweeney. Five engines, one truck, and two Battalion Chiefs were present.
“Everyone was needed,” Sweeney said.
Firefighters left the scene at about 3 p.m.
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