The Santa Clara County Fire Department released its findings about the fatal early morning house fire in Monte Sereno yesterday that killed a married couple, both approximately 80 years old, who were found in their bed upstairs.
The fire officials said they were unable to locate a single fire alarm. And they noted a major accumulation of household items throughout the property slowed the response—and would’ve made it hard for the couple to flee.
“There was a large amount of clutter inside and surrounding the home, which made it difficult for firefighters to gain access to the home and to locate the victims,” an SCCFD spokesperson told the Los Gatan yesterday, adding the home was filled with smoke and active fire when crews arrived.
They were taken to an area trauma center but were ultimately pronounced dead.
Local officials had speculated that the home’s fire alarms may not have been in working order, but that information wasn’t confirmed until today.
During the media availability at SCCFD Headquarters, at 1315 Dell Ave., in Campbell, Bill Murphy, assistant chief of operations, and Assistant Fire Chief Jeremy Davis provided additional details about the tragic circumstances.
Davis said the cause of the fire has been ruled “accidental,” though it’s unclear if perhaps the stove was left on, or if an appliance failed.
(SCCFD / FB)
“Smoke detectors were a factor,” he said. “They would have allowed for early notification for the deceased.”
Los Gatos Monte-Sereno Police detectives helped with the investigation.
“They were great partners with us. The other challenge that we had…was the accumulation of items. The deceased lived in this property for over 30 years,” Davis added. “There were just all kinds of different household items.
“I do believe the accumulation of items inside was also a factor to this fire.”
Murphy said both victims were rushed to hospital within 15 minutes of crews arriving on scene.
The couple appeared to have been involved members of the local community, he added.
LGMSPD has not yet notified next of kin, so their identities have not yet been released.
Monte Sereno Mayor Lon Allan told the Los Gatan that the City will be reaching out to residents to remind them they need to have smoke detectors—and they need to make sure they work.
“This was an unnecessary tragedy,” he said. “This is what we want to avoid.”
