Man dies in San Ramon fire; house lacked working smoke alarm

SAN RAMON, Calif. -- An elderly man was killed in a two-alarm house fire in San Ramon Saturday morning, a San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District spokeswoman said.

Firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire in the 100 block of Avocado Court around 7:45 a.m., spokeswoman Kim French said.

Arriving crews found smoke and flames coming from a one-story home, French said.

Fire crews searched the home to find the man inside and evacuated him, she said.

He received treatment at the scene and was transported to San Ramon Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries, according to French.

The blaze was under control within an hour after it was initially reported, she said.

The man was the sole occupant of the home and no other injuries were reported, French said.

French noted that there was no working smoke alarm at the residence.

She emphasized the importance of having a working smoke alarm in every room and every level of a home.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.