FIRE DEPARTMENT RELEASES RESULTS OF INVESTIGATION INTO FATAL BLAZE AT OCEAN DRIVE HOME
Fire Chief J.J. Adame has released the results of the investigation into the tragic house fire on Ocean Drive that resulted in the deaths of 46-year-old Peter Serrao, M.D., 45 year-old Heidi Serrao and 11-year-old Oliver Serrao back on October 19, 2004. The details were released during a media briefing at 1:30 p.m. Friday, October 29, 2004 at Fire Department Headquarters.
More than 40 firefighters responded to a raging house fire at 3825 Ocean Drive at 4:01 a.m. on October 19, with units arriving just minutes after the first call came into dispatchers at 3:55 am. Flames were already coming out of the windows of the two-story house when firefighters arrived, and the fire was brought under control at 6:51 am.
According to investigators, the fire apparently was caused by a malfunction of the electrical system in the space between the first and second floors, above the downstairs bathroom. The fire smoldered in this space for some time and then spread into the downstairs living areas and up to the second floor along the front and rear stairwells. However, investigators say because of the extensive damage to the house, the exact nature of the electrical malfunction cant be established.
During Fridays media briefing, other members of the Serrao family joined fire officials. Kevin Serraos brother, Karl Serrao, commended firefighters for their efforts during the incident and thanked the community at large for the outpouring of sympathy and support the family had received. He also announced the establishment of the Peter and Heidi Serrao Foundation, which he says will help support the medical profession.
Meanwhile, fire officials say Alexis Serrao is in good condition and continues to recuperate from injuries she received during the fire. For more information, please contact the Fire Department at 880-3932.
