Damage Estimate $700,000 for Banning Bench Home Burned in Saturday Fire

A home that caught fire and burned Saturday night on the Banning Bench sustained an estimated $700,000 in damage, Cal Fire officials said Monday.

"The roof of the structure had partially collapsed at the time of the fire departments arrival," Cheri Patterson of Cal Fire-Riverside County said in an update. "Total loss is $700,000 and total save is $250,000."

The fire was reported at 8:36 p.m. Saturday at 9875 Bluff Street, above Banning Water Canyon, according to Cal Fire-Riverside County.

Six engines with 20 firefighters responded and found a 4,000 square foot home with fire through the roof, Patterson said.

"Firefighters were able to save the attached 4-car garage and adjacent casita," Patterson said.

Firefighters declared the blaze contained at 9:42 p.m., Patterson said.

Just after sunrise Sunday, a man who said he was the owner surveyed the damage and said he was waiting for an insurance representative.

The man, who declined to have his name published, said he and his wife were home when they noticed the fire, which apparently started in the attic.

The couple escaped uninjured, the man said. No firefighters or anyone else was hurt, according to Cal Fire.

The cause of remained under investigation.