An early-morning house fire Feb. 13 left three elderly Hollister residents homeless, and one in critical condition, according to authorities.
About 7:05am Wednesday, Hollister Police and Fire departments were dispatched to a structure fire on the 900 block of Prune Street, just east of Hollister’s downtown. Hollister Police Officer Stephen Frates was the first public safety officer on the scene, and reported the home was fully engulfed in flames, according to a Feb. 14 press release.
Two people who live nearby had just arrived home from work when they noticed the fire, police said. These neighbors called 911. The good Samaritans had already helped a man and woman exit the burning home by the time Frates arrived. A third resident of the burning home, an elderly woman, made it outside on her own.
The fire department arrived to extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading to neighboring homes, police said. An ambulance transported the elderly man to the hospital, where he was treated for burns and smoke inhalation.
The American Red Cross responded to assist the fire victims, and Adult Protective Services arrived to help care for the displaced residents until family members could be notified.
Authorities estimated the home is a total loss. The San Benito County Fire Investigation Team is investigating the cause of the blaze, according to police.
Anyone with information about this investigations can contact the Hollister Police Department at (831) 636-4330. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
