Fire sends one to hospital, causes damages

A structure fire in Costa Mesa caused $500,000 in damages to two condominiums and sent one victim to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation Monday, fire officials said.

A mother and her three children, including an infant, were displaced and provided temporary shelter and supplies by the American Red Cross of Orange County, communications director Shelly Parsons said.

About 40 Costa Mesa, Newport Beach and Fountain Valley firefighters contained the fire at 3:35 a.m., 47 minutes after they arrived at 2172 Biscayne Springs.

A number of creeks that run through the complex and the many trees and plants in the area caused access problems.

“It was difficult for firefighters to get around that,� Battalion Chief William Kershaw said.

The resident of the destroyed condo, a downstairs unit, was taken to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian for treatment, fire authorities said. No information was given on the resident’s condition.

The upstairs unit sustained moderate smoke and fire damage and its occupants were displaced.

The cause of the fire has not been determined, said arson investigator Trail Blincoe.

— Jessie Brunner