MONROVIA — A large electrical fire gutted a home Friday but resulted in no injuries, authorities said.
The fire was reported about 3:30 p.m. in the 500 block of South 5th Avenue,just north of the Foothill (210) Freeway Monrovia Fire Department Chief Chris Donovan said.
“Upon arrival, the crews found a fully involved front of the house,” Donovan said. “It was a pretty significant fire.”
After dousing the flames, investigators determined the fire was sparked because of an electrical issue inside a closet of the home, the chief said. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.
Officials estimated the fire caused about $250,000 worth of damage to the house and its contents, Donovan added. The house was red-tagged pending repairs.
The lone resident of the home, a woman, found her own temporary lodging, and Red Cross assistance was not needed, officials added.
She was not inside the home when the fire ignited because she had just left to chase after a pet dog that had run away, Monrovia police Lt. Nells Ortlund said.
Shortly after officials arrived at the flaming home, the woman returned with the missing dog, he said.
Donovan commended his firefighters for preventing the fire from becoming worse than it was.
“The guys did a great job in keeping the fire contained to the home,” Donovan said. “There was direct exposure to an RV parked out front and neighbors’ homes.”

PHOTO courtesy of the Monrovia Fire Department