Large house fire near Dominican Hospital

UPDATE 5:37 p.m.: Firefighters say it took them two hours to control the fire on Mission Drive Wednesday morning.

Central Fire says the fire started on the patio of the outside of one of the apartments, the cause is still to be determined.

They say three of the five people were in the home when the fire began. A “crackling” sound and the smell of smoke alerted them to the fire. They did have smoke alarms, but the batteries had been removed says Central Fire’s Mike DeMars. The home also did not have a sprinkler system.

Two of the three apartments are now unlivable. The displaced residents received assistance from the Red Cross.

One resident was treated for first degree burns and smoke inhalation.

UPDATE 11:05 a.m.: Fire crews on scene report one person was hurt and is being taken to the hospital. They said the home on Mission Drive is a total loss and the cause is still being investigated.

PREVIOUS STORY 10:00 a.m.: Santa Cruz County Communications confirms a house caught on fire on Mission Drive at Soquel Drive around 9:45 a.m. Crews are on-scene and don’t know if anyone is inside.

Nearby wires are also involved.

NewsChannel 5 will keep you updated as details become available.