One Person Dies in Ramona House Disaster

Ramona home on fire.
Ramona home on fire.

An explosion may have sparked a house fire that killed one person early this morning at a home north-east of downtown San Diego, on the outskirts of Ramona, California, according to a Cal Fire dispatcher.

The blaze started about 1:30 a.m. in the two-story house on North Woodson Drive, near Archie Moore Road. It took 30 firefighters to bring the flames under control. A body was found just outside the house, which was thought to be empty, the dispatcher said.

Front of home on fire.
Front of home on fire.

The home was destroyed.

Sheriff’s investigators are trying to identify the victim and determine the cause of the blaze. Witnesses reported hearing an explosion shortly before the home caught fire and firefighters found the garage door blown off and lying near the street, said the dispatcher.

Further information received from a local caller suggests there may have been a gas leak in the house, first detected by painters who were repainting the property. Most of the properties in this upscale neighborhood are serviced by propane. Apparently, the property was empty while being prepared for a move-in.

The home engulfed in flames.
The home engulfed in flames.
Early next morning, home still smoking.
Early next morning, home still smoking.
Fire crews return to check on the burned out home.
Fire crews return to check on the burned out home.
A fireman checks for spot fires.
A fireman checks for spot fires.

Claudia Strasbaugh was a freelance writer who founded Scripps Ranch/Mira Mesa Writer’s Guild, was head writer for the weekly TV show “Kill ‘EM With Comedy,” plus California Bureau Chief for National Lotto World Magazine. Claudia also ran a nonprofit called Dinner On A Dollar. Sadly, Claudia passed away in 2015, but we are pleased to display her writing works.