Two structures in west Gilroy were destroyed Monday after a guesthouse caught fire and eventually spread to the main house nearby. Firefighters were called to 7945 Whitehurst Road at 12:30 p.m. and when they arrived, the guesthouse was engulfed in flames, according to a Cal Fire spokesperson.
The Gilroy Fire Department, South Santa Clara County Fire and San Jose Fire Departments assisted in extinguishing the blaze. It had been contained but not controlled by 3 p.m., Cal Fire prevention specialist Pam Temmermand told the Dispatch.
A cause has not yet been determined and there were no reported injuries, she added.
“Both homes have been basically destroyed,” Temmermand said, adding that the American Red Cross has been called to assist the property’s residents find temporary shelter. Family members of the landowner said that nobody was home when the structures caught fire.
Standing outside his nearby home, Gavilan College and Christopher High School head soccer coach Ricardo Espinosa said it was “too close for comfort.” Monday’s blaze caused plumes of smoke to fill the valley west of Gilroy along Hecker Pass Road.
Friends of the residents impacted by the fire began raising funds online while firefighters were still extinguishing hot spots. As of press time Wednesday, $9,000 was raised “to help the family get back on their feet,” according to the post on GoFundMe.
Friends of the residents displaced by Monday’s fire created an online fundraiser to help the family get back on their feet. They’re seeking $15,000 and as of press time Wednesday garnered more than $9,000. http://bit.ly/1PzK93K
