Overview
- The two-story home in the 17000 block of Rose Court caught fire around 2 a.m. Wednesday and investigators say the blaze began in a second-floor kitchen.
- Firefighters found and removed the married couple, both about 80, from an upstairs bedroom and they were later pronounced dead at a hospital.
- Santa Clara County fire investigators have ruled the fire accidental but could not pinpoint the exact ignition device and cited unattended cooking or appliance failure as possibilities.
- Investigators reported no working smoke detectors in the house and said that absence, along with large amounts of clutter inside and around the property, hindered early warning and made access and escape difficult.
- Monte Sereno officials said the city will reach out to residents with reminders about installing and testing smoke alarms, clearing exit paths, and other basic fire-prevention steps to reduce similar risks.