ORANGE COUNTY – A fire broke out early Tuesday at a home in Orange County, sending flames and smoke into the air.
Orange County firefighters responded before 5 a.m. to the home along Contoura Drive.
According to Orange County Fire Rescue, three people were taken to the hospital. One person was treated for minor burns while the other two were treated for smoke inhalation.
Units arrived o/s to heavy, rapid moving fire, 80% involved. 3 patients transported, 2 for smoke inhalation and 1 with a minor burn. SFM will investigate cause. Crews mopping up and in overhaul. Firewatch to continue through the morning. https://t.co/1CxQkT0NnY pic.twitter.com/7vMk3IJcwx
— OCFire Rescue (@OCFireRescue) February 25, 2025
Orange County Fire Rescue Chief Bryant Smith said it took about 15 minutes to put out the fire and described it as “an aggressive fire attack.”
“We were able to protect all the exposures of the houses next to us ... we train on this effectively and it shows,” he said. “No injuries at this point.”
News 6 spoke with the homeowner, who said her husband and father-in-law were taken to the hospital.
The homeowner also told News 6 several of her cats were caught in the fire and died.
A neighbor told News 6 her dog was barking, and she saw an “orange ball” through her back window.
“In a matter of a couple minutes, the whole house was engulfed,” she said. “It was very fast.”
Orange County Fire Rescue has not released any other information.
The state fire marshal is investigating to determine the cause of the fire.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more information as we receive it.