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A devastating two-alarm fire erupted early Sunday morning at the Waterstone Apartments in Fremont, California, leaving one woman, Charlotte Holguin, dead and three others injured while displacing dozens of residents.
The fire started around 2:53 am on March 30, 2025, in a fourth-floor unit of building 25 at 3939 Bidwell Drive. Firefighters responded within minutes and were met with intense flames pouring from the affected apartment.
Authorities believe that Holguin and another critically injured individual either fell or attempted to lower themselves from their balcony to escape the fire. Their fall occurred as firefighters were trying to position a 35-foot ground ladder for rescue as their aerial ladder could not be used due to obstructions in the parking lot.
A third person managed to escape the unit and was hospitalized in serious condition. A fourth individual was treated and released, but officials are still determining whether they lived in the affected unit or an adjacent one.
Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire by 3:40 am, but not before the building sustained significant smoke and water damage. City officials have red-tagged the structure, rendering it uninhabitable. More than 30 firefighters, along with the American Red Cross and property management, are working to support the displaced residents. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Fremont Fire Department and local police.
Why Apartment Fires Are So Dangerous and Who Can Be Responsible for Starting Them
Apartment fires can be particularly deadly due to the number of people living in close proximity and the speed at which fires can spread through shared walls, ceilings, and ventilation systems. In situations like the one in Fremont, limited access for emergency responders and a lack of adequate fire safety features can quickly turn a dangerous situation into a fatal one.
Common causes of apartment fires include:
- Electrical malfunctions such as faulty wiring or overloaded circuits
- Kitchen accidents involving unattended cooking or flammable materials
- Heaters or space heaters placed too close to combustible items
- Negligence by residents, including smoking indoors or improper use of appliances
- Property management failures, such as inadequate maintenance, blocked emergency exits, or lack of working smoke alarms or sprinklers
“Apartment fires are among the most heartbreaking cases we see, not only because of the lives lost, but because they are often preventable. When a loved one dies in a fire due to someone else’s negligence, whether it’s a landlord, maintenance company, or another party, it’s important for families to get answers and justice,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “Our team has helped families through some of the hardest moments of their lives, and we know how to hold the right people accountable with compassion and determination.”
Legal Options for Victims and Families After a Fatal Apartment Fire
For those impacted by the Waterstone Apartments fire, legal options may be available to help them recover from this traumatic event. Both survivors and the family of Charlotte Holguin may be entitled to pursue compensation through civil claims.
Wrongful Death Claims
Charlotte Holguin’s family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit if it’s found that negligence contributed to the fatal fire. Potential defendants could include the property management company, building owner, maintenance contractors, or even third parties if defective equipment or fire hazards were involved.
Injury Claims
Survivors who suffered injuries may be able to file personal injury claims to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disability.
Claims for Displaced Residents
Tenants who lost their homes and belongings due to the fire may be able to seek compensation for property loss and relocation costs, particularly if there’s evidence that the fire or its aftermath was worsened by poor building maintenance or fire safety violations.
If you were affected by the Waterstone Apartments fire, contact Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about how we can help you. Call us at (619) 771-3473 or email us at info@singletonschreiber.com to schedule a free consultation today.
