Fire destroys house of couple

A fire thought to be electrical in cause quickly destroyed the Stadium Road home of two frail and elderly Madera residents Friday afternoon. No injuries were reported in the incident, but the home was a total loss.

Cal Fire Battalion Chief Mike Surber said it was very fortunate a Madera Police officer and two Madera Unified District safety officers from Madera High School saw the smoke and happened to be nearby. The officers were able to help the occupants, a man and woman thought to be in or approaching their late 80’s or early 90’s out of the building and away from the smoke.

“The older 800- to 1,000-square-foot house was fully involved when we arrived,” Surber said. “The officers were helping the couple, who were struggling to get out of the house. Due to the age of the house, pre 1960s and the construction of the structure we were not able to save it. The cause is under investigation but looks to be electrical. It appears to have started at floor level in a bedroom. It was fortunate it was a daylight fire,” Surber said.

Surber said it was unknown if the couple has any family in the area.

“The Red Cross is helping the couple temporarily but they appear to have lost everything and could likely use some help from the community,” Surber said.

Assistance or donations can be made to 311 Stadium Road, Madera CA 93637.