SIMI VALLEY : Fire Sparked by Coffeepot Burns House

A two-alarm fire sparked by a coffeepot destroyed much of a Simi Valley house early Friday, authorities said.

The fire in the 1000 block of Brandon Avenue was reported at 7:32 a.m. and was extinguished about 8:30 a.m. No one was injured.

Investigator Bill Hager said the fire began in the kitchen of the single-story, stucco house and spread to a dining room and living room. He estimated that 60% to 70% of the house was damaged by smoke and water.

Michael Tosti, who lives in the house, told Hager he left for work about 4 a.m., and that his wife normally left about 7 a.m. Hager said he did not know if the coffeepot had malfunctioned or was left on too long.

Damage to the house and contents was estimated at $115,500, he said.