Santa Monica Observer - Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words

2.11.23: Two garages were damaged Saturday afternoon in a fire of uncertain cause. The Santa Monica Fire Dept. knocked down the blaze in about 5 minutes. From the SMFD:

Santa Monica Fire Department resources responded to a report of a Structure Fire at 1938 19th St. The first arriving Engine reported smoke and flames coming from the rear garage area of an apartment building.

Crews quickly began fire suppression and systematically searched the occupancies of the building. The fire and smoke communicated to the adjacent garages severely damaging two of them.

Smoke also communicated to the 4 rear residences and crews were able to utilize positive pressure ventilation to clear them. There were no civilian injuries however one resident was displaced due to smoke damage to their unit.

Matthew Gonzalez

Santa Monica Fire Extinguishes Garage Fire in 1900 Block of 19th Street

A fire investigator was called to the scene to do a preliminary investigation. So Cal Edison and the Gas Company were requested to re-establish service. --Walter R. Patton, Captain Training Division, Santa Monica Fire Department

The following was posted on NextDoor, and appears to concern the same fire: "Last night, I came home and was shocked to see all my hard work to be burned down in a fire. My two businesses are gone in a flash, because of drug addicts living in the garage. Last month, I told my landlord and neighbors about my suspicions of people illegally living in the garage. They started a fire to cook meth and in turn, completely ruined my life. I do not have any insurance to recoup from this terrible loss. As a single mother, I ask you to keep me in your prayers and help me in any way you can.

1820-1830 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, CA".