Thursday Morning Structure Fire Displaces Families in Beach Flats

The Santa Cruz Fire Department responded to a structure fire on the 400 block of Leibrant Street early Thursday morning, around 1:21 a.m.

As units were responding, more 9-1-1 calls were placed reporting an explosion and fire spreading to the apartments above.

Fire fighters arrived on scene to find a two car garage fully engulfed in flames, according to the Santa Cruz Fire Department's report. The flaming garage was located two floors below the apartments.

Crews maneuvered their hoses down a narrow alley to gain access to the fire, and managed to contain the fire to the garage. Two vehicles in the garage were completely destroyed.

The 20-unit apartment building was evacuated, and fire fighters found heavy smoke damage in the apartments directly above the fire. 

The fire is under investigation, and the origin appears to be one of the vehicles in the garage. No injuries were reported. The Red Cross is assisting several displaced residents with housing.

The total estimated damages from the fire are $150,000, with $5 million in potential damages saved.