A family of five was displaced after a blaze began in the bedroom of their condominium in the 500 block of Avenida de la Plata on Dec. 12.

The two adults and three children escaped injury.

Firefighters from Station No. 35 responded to a one-alarm call at 4:10 a.m. Upon arrival, the firefighters saw smoke emanating from the roof.

"It was a small fire with no injuries. It was knocked down by 4:28," said Capt. Ron Oatman.

"Knocked down" means that the fire wasn't going to get bigger, Oatman said. It was extinguished by 5:28 a.m.

The American Red Cross was contacted by the fire department to provide aid to the displaced family, said Maria Sanchez, director of communications.

"Three disaster team member volunteers were called and went to the early morning scene to provide assistance with temporary housing," Sanchez said.

They also offered food and clothing help to the family for as long as they need to get on their feet or until the insurance company takes over, she said.

"All money used is donated. We don't get government money and aren't reimbursed by insurance companies."

Those who would like to donate funds specifically for this family or to the Ventura County branch of the American Red Cross may do so by going online to www.arcventura.org and clicking "donate" or by calling (805) 987-1514.

Money donated to the county branch stays in the county, Sanchez said.

—Nancy Needham