Residential Fire in the 2000 Block of Latham Street

Residential Fire in the 2000 Block of Latham StreetFirefighters respond to reports of an appliance fire in a multi-family residencePost Date:11/16/2025 10:33 a.m. On Saturday, Nov. 15, at 9:27 p.m., a 9-1-1 call was received reporting an appliance fire in a multi-story, multi-family condominium complex in the 2000 block of Latham Street. The building's occupants self-evacuated before firefighters arrived. Fire units were dispatched at 9:27 p.m. and arrived on the scene at 9:32 p.m. Units arrived to find two sprinkler heads actively flowing water and smoke coming from a condominium on the second floor of a three-story housing complex. Firefighters stopped the flow of water from the sprinkler heads and immediately began salvage operations to remove the water overflow from the building and protect property from further damage. Firefighters used thermal imaging cameras to measure heat behind the drywall to ensure the fire did not spread. Two residents in the affected condominium, along with two adults and one minor resident from the condominium below, were relocated due to smoke and water damage. The American Red Cross was on scene to assist affected residents. The five residents arranged for temporary housing with neighbors and at a local hotel while their condominiums are being repaired. The fire was extinguished with no injuries. Fire crews replaced the two sprinkler heads, recharged water to the sprinkler system, and ensured the fire alarm system was functioning before leaving the scene. The Mountain View Police Department provided traffic control for 1.5 hours while fire units and equipment were on the scene. The washing machine/dryer combination appliance was determined to be the origin of the fire. The cause of the fire is undetermined. The estimated damage to the contents and structure is $60,000. The building was turned over to a homeowners' association representative before fire crews left the scene. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), you can prevent washer and dryer fires primarily through regular cleaning and proper maintenance. The NFPA cites lint as the leading cause of dryer appliance failure. Other important steps include ensuring proper installation, using the correct venting materials, not overloading the machines, and having your gas dryers serviced by a professional. The homeowners' association has been made aware of these tips and where to find them on the City of Mountain View Fire Department website at https://www.mountainview.gov/our-city/departments/fire/fire-and-environmental-protection-division/fire-prevention/-fsiteid-1#!/. Media Contact Robert Maitland, Fire Department PIO 650-903-6825 or [email protected] to full list >>