Seal Beach Fire Forces 50 From Homes

More than 50 residents of a condominium complex were evacuated early Sunday when fire swept through a second-floor unit.

Most residents returned to their homes within a few hours, Orange County Fire Authority officials said.

The woman from the unit where the fire occurred showed symptoms of respiratory distress and was taken to Los Alamitos Medical Center, where she was treated and released. She was not identified by fire officials.

Firefighters were called to the 250-unit complex at 12200 Montecito Road shortly after 6 a.m. Sunday, where they found the two-bedroom unit on fire and flames lapping toward the third floor, said Fire Authority spokesman Dennis Shell.

Because the complex is so large, 75 firefighters were called to help evacuate residents from about 25 neighboring units.

Seven people were treated for smoke inhalation. Most residents were allowed to return to their homes shortly before 8:30 a.m.

“We were very fortunate,” said Shell, adding that firefighters “were met with pretty severe fire conditions upon arrival.”

The Orange County chapter of the American Red Cross sent six people to the complex to help two families find temporary shelter.

A preliminary investigation found the fire to be accidental, possibly caused by a child playing with a lighted candle, officials said.

The fire caused about $100,000 in structural damage and $50,000 in damaged belongings.