Longtime Auburn Recreation District director, family lose home to fire

An Auburn Recreation District board director and his family saw their Auburn home burn down Sunday night. Scott Holbrook, who has been on the ARD board of directors since 1998, his wife Phyllis and one of their two sons were watching TV until the start of the fire. "Something happened with the barbecue on the deck," Holbrook told the Auburn Journal on Thursday. "The deck got (on) fire. By the time we realized it, we couldn't put it out. Within minutes, the house was totally engulfed." The fire was so quick and intense that Holbrook said he and his son ran outside without shoes on from their 3,000 square-foot house that included three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Holbrook stated the house is a "total loss." However, there were photos the family salvaged, plus other items, Holbrook said. A company that specializes in restoration will try to restore the photos and paintings damaged in the fire, Holbrook noted His son was able to retain some records he collected over the years. The Holbrook family, unfortunately, lost their cat, Mr. Charlie. The family's puppy, Samson, survived. According to CAL FIRE spokesperson Mary Eldridge, CAL FIRE/Placer County Fire Department firefighters from Atwood Station 180 responded to a residential structure fire that Holbrook said was his residence. Eldridge said the fire contained a single residence and stated no injuries occurred to first responders. Crews remained on the scene for two hours. The station had assistance from Auburn City Fire and Newcastle Fire. Holbrook said he and his family are grateful for the swift work from the fire departments, plus the Placer County Sheriff's Office and first responders. Holbrook stated the house is insured. "We're blessed to have insurance," Holbrook said. "The wheels have already started turning." Rebuilding the house has already begun. Holbrook anticipates it could take a year. "It's a custom home," Holbrook said. "With the permitting, and the retro fitting. The demolition (of the house and then rebuilding). It's a process. We're expecting a long run." The family was staying at a hotel in Auburn and will be moving into a rental house soon until the completion of their house.