Features

Berkeley firefighters found themselves facing two structure fires that erupted within minutes of each other Sunday afternoon, reported Deputy Fire Chief Gil Dong. 

Both blazes broke out about 2 p.m., with the first call coming from the 270 block of Park Street, where a broken gas line set a car ablaze, with the flames spreading to the structure just before engines arrived. 

“There was minimal structure damage,” said the deputy chief, “and one resident received minor injuries.” 

As one crew of firefighters was knocking down the first blaze, a call brought others to the Pacific School of Religion at 1798 Scenic Ave., where a discarded cigarette had set ivy and other vegetation afire along an outer wall. 

The prompt arrival of firefighters kept the damage to a minimum, said Deputy Chief Dong.