Kevin Gomes captured a picture of the black smoke coming from the burning home in the Clear Lake Riviera on the afternoon of Saturday, March 27, 2010. He reported hearing loud explosions that are believed to have come from nearby propane tanks.

The fire occurred at 4664 Kaweah Road at Sequoia Road, according to Kelseyville Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Joe Huggins.

Huggins said the fire was dispatched at 4:47 p.m., with a total of four engines – three from Kelseyville, one from Lakeport Fire – responding.

Initial radio reports indicated that the home was fully involved at the time of dispatch.

“The fire originated in the garage and extended into the house,” Huggins said.

He said that the fire got up into the attack and firefighters had to pull the ceiling down to access the fire.

The 1,250-square foot home was a total loss, with anything that didn't burn being damaged by smoke, Huggins said.

Firefighters cleared the scene by 7:15 p.m., he said.

The cause of the fire is still pending an investigation, but Huggins said it appeared to be related to malfunctioning electrical equipment in the garage.

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