Woodland firefighters suspect a backyard blaze caused a structure fire late Wednesday night that claimed half a home and a family cat.
Woodland police arrived at 1302 Leo Way at 11:13 p.m. Firefighters, who were staffed up due to high winds and fire risk, arrived just a few minutes later in full force, utilizing three engines and a ladder truck.
The home, located just outside to the west Leisureville mobile home park, was nearly half engulfed by the time the fire attack began, throwing thick black smoke into southeastern Woodland night sky.
The two residents of the home evacuated the property with their two dogs, but a family cat is suspected to have perished in the blaze.
The couple was asleep when fire began, and a neighbor, who saw a bright light emanating through his windows, warned the couple of the blaze.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, but Battalion Chief Ernie Fatta said it likely started among woodworking debris in the backyard.
“It definitely started outside the house,” Fatta said. “There were a lot of materials on fire there when we arrived.”
Fatta said that a fourth engine was tasked to the Leisureville side of the fire, though flames did not spread in that direction from the backyard.
In the morning light, the damage to the property cannot be readily seen from the front, though Fatta estimated that the fire destroyed the rear 50 percent of the home.
Contact Hans Peter at 530-406-6238.
