Chimney Fire Sparks Late Night Blaze In Moraga

Firefighters responded to a call for help from the occupants of a Moraga home late Tuesday evening after residents awoke to the smell of smoke in the residence.

Fire Marshal Michael Mentink said units from the Contra Costa and Moraga-Orinda fire districts responded to a call for help from a home in the 1900 block of Joseph Drive at 11:36 p.m.

The home's occupants reported they awoke to the smell of smoke, but only saw a light haze. Upon further investigation, they saw flames around the chimney outside of the structure and evacuated the rest of their family.

Responding firefighters saw fire coming from the roof, Mentink said. An "aggressive attack" contained it to the master bedroom and the fire was extinguished by 12:07 a.m.

Twenty-two firefighters from MOFD and Contra Costa County Fire Departments responded to the call for help, according to Mentink.  Firefighters treated one resident for smoke inhalation at the scene. Damage to the home was estimated at $20,000. The cause remains under investigation.