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Citrus Heights House Fire Kills Multiple Dogs, Injures One Person

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/0 .. fire-kills-multiple-dogs-injures-one-person.html
  Published in House and Home on Thursday, January 1st 2026 at 3:36 GMT by kcra.com

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Devastating House Fire in Citrus Heights Claims Lives of Multiple Dogs, Injures One Person

A devastating house fire ripped through a home in Citrus Heights early Tuesday morning, tragically claiming the lives of several dogs and leaving one person with injuries. The blaze, reported around 4:30 AM on January 23rd, prompted a significant response from multiple fire agencies and has left the community reeling. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities confirm that the situation highlights the dangers of residential fires and the importance of working smoke detectors.

The incident occurred at a residence located in the 6900 block of Greenhaven Drive. According to KCRA’s initial report, neighbors reported hearing dogs barking frantically before noticing flames erupting from the single-family home. Initial responders arrived on scene to find heavy fire involvement, meaning the blaze was already well established and rapidly spreading. The Sacramento Metro Fire (SMFD) quickly called for backup from Cal Fire and other local agencies to combat the intense heat and prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring homes.

A man, believed to be the homeowner, was able to escape the burning structure but sustained injuries. Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District spokesperson Captain Chris Redman confirmed that the individual was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and minor burns. His condition is currently unknown. While KCRA initially reported he was in critical condition, this has not been officially confirmed by authorities.

The most heartbreaking aspect of the tragedy involves the numerous dogs residing at the home. While the exact number remains unconfirmed, SMFD officials have stated that multiple dogs perished in the fire. Neighbors described a scene of frantic barking prior to the flames being visible, suggesting the animals were aware of the danger but unable to escape. The loss of these pets has deeply impacted the community and prompted an outpouring of support for the homeowner.

“It’s just heartbreaking,” said neighbor Maria Rodriguez to KCRA. “You could hear the dogs… it was awful.” The emotional toll on those who witnessed the event is palpable, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the Citrus Heights neighborhood.

Firefighters battled the blaze for over an hour before bringing it under control. The house itself suffered extensive damage and has been deemed a total loss. The fire's intensity also required crews to work defensively, protecting adjacent homes from potential spread. While neighboring structures were threatened, firefighters successfully prevented any further structural damage. Greenhaven Drive was closed between Yukon Drive and Mariposa Avenue for several hours while crews worked on scene, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. SMFD’s Arson Unit is working alongside investigators to determine what sparked the blaze. While the investigation is ongoing, officials have emphasized that no foul play is suspected at this time. Initial reports suggest a possible electrical malfunction might be involved, but this remains unconfirmed pending further examination of the debris and interviews with those familiar with the property.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety measures in residential homes. SMFD routinely encourages residents to ensure they have working smoke detectors on every level of their home and outside each sleeping area. Regular testing of these devices is also crucial, as batteries can fail unexpectedly. Furthermore, having an escape plan – knowing two ways out of every room and designating a meeting place outside the house – can significantly increase survival rates in the event of a fire.

The Sacramento County Animal Care & Control has been involved to assist with identifying any surviving animals and providing support for those affected by the loss of their pets. Community members have also begun organizing efforts to collect donations for the homeowner, who is now facing the daunting task of rebuilding his life after this devastating loss. A GoFundMe page has been established (linked in KCRA's report) to assist with immediate needs and long-term recovery.

The Citrus Heights fire underscores the fragility of life and property and highlights the critical role that fire prevention measures play in protecting our communities. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging residents to review their own home safety plans and ensure they are prepared for any potential emergency. The loss of the dogs is a particularly poignant reminder of the vulnerability of all members of a household – human and animal alike – during a devastating event like this.

Links Referenced & Considered in Writing:

• KCRA Article: [ https://www.kcra.com/article/1-person-injured-dogs-killed-citrus-heights-fire/69896380 ]
• GoFundMe Page (mentioned in KCRA article): (Direct link not provided as it's embedded within the KCRA article and may change).