If it wasn't for quick-acting neighbors, fire investigators say a Skyline home that went up in flames in Monday could be a lot worse off.
The fire started in a bird coop in the backyard of the home on Noeline Lane and spread to multiple palm trees, according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.
SDFD spokesperson Monica Munoz said a teenager was home alone with her pets when neighbors noticed the fire and helped her evacuate.
Among the helpful and heroic neighbors were fellow teen Victor Ibanez and his uncle.
"We heard a lot of loud screams as if they were from a horror movie and we looked up and there was a lot of black smoke coming from the sky," Ibanez said.
Victor and his uncle reported the fire at 2:11 p.m. and started spraying it with a water hose before crews responded.
Firefighters arrived and had it knocked down 11 minutes later, according to Munoz.
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Ten to 12 birds were burned in the fire as well as three palm trees. Part of the home's exterior was damaged but the interior of the home was not, Munoz said.
The residents of the home were not displaced.
"I'm just happy that we saved everyone and nobody got hurt, Ibanez said.
An SDFD captain at the scene estimated the damage at about $100,000. A city arborist was called to the scene to assess the safety of the burned trees.
Munoz said Monday the source of the fire was bird excrement the coop.
"The bird excrement heats up and with just the right amount of wind and moisture it starts a fire," Munoz said. "Some strange phenomenon..."
On Tuesday she clarified that investigators could not confirm whether the bird poop started the fire.
