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A fire damaged a 19th-century Victorian-style house and closed down a portion of Middlefield Road on Monday morning, according to the Redwood City Fire Department. No injuries were reported, and the road has since reopened.
Around 8:45 a.m., fire crews responded to reports of smoke coming from an unoccupied, two-story Victorian home at 1417 Middlefield Rd., between Beech and Cassia streets, according to Redwood City Deputy Chief Greg DaCunha. Though the cause of the fire remains undetermined, investigators found some belongings left behind and are looking into the possibility that it was started as a warming fire for people who may have been inhabiting the house. The fire was suppressed within roughly ten minutes, causing damage contained to the floorboards surrounding the fireplace, DaCunha said.
Three engines, a truck and battalion chief, initially reported to the scene. An additional battalion chief and two trucks were called because of the risk posed by the structure of the house, which DaCunha said could have enabled the fire to spread rapidly from the basement to the upper stories.
Officials for Pacific Gas & Electric were also on-scene to disconnect the electric and gas “for safety reasons,” he added.
Originally built in 1883 and designated a city landmark in 1989, the house is considered a “Historic property” and is a contributor to the Stambaugh-Heller Historic District. Also known as the Granger House, the property was recently approved for renovations by the city Planning Commission. In the November 16 meeting, the project applicant presented plans, which included converting the single-family house into a three-unit duplex and completing interior and exterior renovations.
The property owners, Giacomo Marini and Ellen Jamason, and the city associate planner for the project, Brandon Northart, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
