Homeowner flees fire at Guerneville home

A Monday morning fire at a home west of Guerneville destroyed the attic and forced the homeowner to flee the residence, authorities said.

Smoke was pouring from the single-story house at 14164 Janice Dr. when firefighters arrived. The blaze was reported at 9:49 a.m.

The flames ripped through the attic, causing the ceiling in the front room of the home to collapse, said Steve Baxman, chief of the Monte Rio Fire Department.

He said neighbors assisted with getting the woman who owned the home out of the burning structure. She was not injured.

It took firefighters about 20 minutes to bring the blaze under control. Baxman said damages appeared to be about $150,000 based on preliminary estimates.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Firefighters from Russian River, Monte Rio, Forestville and Cal Fire responded to the blaze.

You can reach Staff Writer Derek Moore at 521-5336 or derek.moore@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @deadlinederek.