Westwood Apartment Complex Catches Fire Displacing 15

A fire broke out next door to the Westwood Fire Department yesterday morning, displacing up to 15 people. A SEMSA paramedic happened to notice smoke coming from the 9-roomed apartment complex in one of the 2nd-story rooms and notified the Fire Chief. The department was able to quickly stretch a hose to the blaze for an initial attack, followed by multiple agencies responding to assist given the size of the building and families impacted, those included Clear Creek, Peninsula, Chester, and Lake Almanor West, and Susanville Fire, as well as Cal Fire Lassen Modoc-Unit, and the Lassen County Sheriff Department. Westwood Fire Chief Duerksen said there were no injuries and the building did not sustain any structural damage. Chief Duerksen said families were displaced due to electricity and water being shut off to the building yet once restored after isolating the burned apartment, families could return home. Lassen County Public Health responded to the incident with welcomed assistance to those impacted in partnership with the Red Cross. Barbara Longo Lassen County Public Health and Social Services Director said she was able to deploy a team to the Westwood Wellness Center to hand out supplies, offer assistance, and more to those who were impacted. If you are still displaced or in need of support or supplies the Wellness Center is located at 125 Birch Street, the center will be opened to you today as well. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Photo Credit: CAL FIRE Lassen-Modoc Unit