South Pasadena Firefighters Contain Two Residential Fires Sunday

South Pasadena fire engine (File Photo – South Pasadena Fire Department)

Firefighters in South Pasadena responded to two separate residential structure fires on Sunday, May 17, 2026, successfully preventing both incidents from spreading into the main living areas of the homes.

By News Desk

The first fire was reported at approximately 4:30 pm in the 600 block of Forest Avenue. The South Pasadena Fire Department, assisted by crews from the Pasadena and Alhambra fire departments, arrived to find heavy smoke coming from subfloor vents beneath a single-story residence.

Firefighters accessed the area below the home through a cellar door and quickly extinguished the fire before it could extend into the main structure. Crews remained on scene for approximately two hours checking for hidden fire extension and investigating the cause of the incident.

Later that evening, at approximately 10:45 pm, firefighters responded to a second residential structure fire in the 200 block of Fremont Avenue.

Upon arrival, crews encountered light smoke coming from the rear of a two-story home. Firefighters accessed a covered patio area behind the residence and extinguished the fire before it spread to the rest of the house. Crews stayed at the scene for about two hours conducting overhaul operations and investigating the origin and cause of the fire.

All occupants from both homes were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported in either incident.

Officials said anyone with additional information regarding either fire is encouraged to contact the South Pasadena Fire Department at (626) 403-7300.

Lithium-ion battery safety

Fire officials also issued a reminder about lithium-ion battery safety. The batteries, commonly used in phones, laptops, e-bikes, scooters, tools and toys, can become fire hazards if improperly charged or damaged.

Authorities recommend using only manufacturer-approved chargers, charging devices on hard, flat surfaces away from combustible materials, and avoiding overnight or unattended charging. Residents are also urged to stop using batteries that become hot, swollen, leak, smoke, emit unusual odors or make unusual noises.

Officials emphasized that lithium-ion batteries should be disposed of properly and never placed in household trash.