Two Dead In Walnut Creek Townhome Blaze

Two people died and a third was injured when a 2-alarm fire tore through a townhouse on Countrywood Court in Walnut Creek Monday.

The fire, which Contra Costa County Fire Protection District sources said was confined to three units in the complex, has been declared accidental in nature by ConFire investigators. The area of origin was given as a first floor bed with prelim ignition source believed to be smoking materials.

An oxygen machine contributed to rapid fire spread, a district spokesman said. An elderly woman and her adult son died in blaze, as did a small dog. The victims were found on the second floor.

Residents have been advised to avoid the area as investigators remain on the scene.

The fire was reported at 6:23 a.m., with several residents reporting smoke and flames in a building at 1957 Countrywood Court and self-evacuating ahead of the arrival of firefighters.