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Date: July 10, 2008 (See updates below)
El Cajon Fire Investigators say Thursday's fire appears to be accidental in nature and that smoking materials may have been the cause of the single-story structure fire at 446 Van Houten this morning. At about 11:30 a.m. El Cajon Fire crews were called to the scene where they found the home fully involved. A second-alarm was issued with a total of thirty (30) firefighters on scene. It took about 30 minutes to extinguish the fire. Once inside, a body was found in the kitchen area at the rear of the home.
A total of five people were at home at the time of the fire, four were able to escape. One of the occupants, a young boy, had minor burns on his hands. According to witnesses the female victim's clothing had caught fire and they were unable to put the fire out. Investigators say the 40 year-old female victim was seen lighting a cigarette shortly before the fire began.
The home was a total loss with estimated damage to structure and its contents set at $300,000. A trailer home sitting in the driveway was also damage. Assisting El Cajon Fire crews were firefighters from Santee and the San Miguel Fire District. The American Red Cross was also on scene to assist the family.
Update: The medical examiner's office has identified the fire victim as 42 year-old Effie Lizarraga.
2nd Update: Due to requests from the public - a special fund has been set up to help the victim's family. The home belonged to Effie's mother "Eulilia Valera" where she had been raising five of her grand-children. They lost all their furntiture and clothing.
If you'd like to help, please send your monetary donations to:
"Eulilia Valera"
Bank of America
512 Fletcher Parkway
El Cajon, 92020.
If you'd like to make clothing donations, I've obtained clothing sizes for the the family involved.
Donations can be placed in boxes or plastic bags and dropped off at El Cajon Fire Station 6 at 100 E. Lexington Avenue. Please bring clothing that is new or good condition, or as gift cards.
This is a grandmother trying to raise five of her grandchildren.
Grandmother - Eulilia Valera - Blouses/shirts size Large, Skirts size 16, shoes, size 9 1/2
10year-old boy - Shirts-medium, pants size 10 and shoes 3 1/2
13year-old boy - Shirts-large, pants 18, shoes-6 1/2
14year-old girl - Shirts-small, pants size 0 to 1, shoes 6 1/2
20year-old young man - Shirts 2X, pants-34x32, shoes 9
21year-old young man - Shirts large, pants-32x30, shoes 10 1/2
Thank you,
Monica Zech
CONTACT: Monica Zech
Public Information Officer
(619) 441-1737 - office
(619) 843-7218 - cell
