Twenty dogs have died in a Wednesday (February 23) morning house fire in Yucca Valley. According to Battalion Chief Mike McClintock of San Bernardino County Fire, crews were dispatched to a reported residential fire in the 3000 block of Goleta Avenue in Yucca Valley just before 9 a.m. Crews arrived to find a single-story home well involved with multiple exposures.
Firefighters initiated a fire attack, working to suppress the fire and keep the fire from spreading to an adjacent motorhome, an outbuilding, and nearby vegetation. High winds and a large number of dogs complicated firefighting efforts. Fire crews ultimately knocked the fire back and transitioned inside to complete a search for potential victims. Fire crews managed to knock the fire down in approximately 30 minutes. Tragically, after the fire was knocked down, 20 deceased dogs were found inside the home. An additional 15-20 dogs were also located at the residence or in the immediate area. Animal Control was contacted to respond to the fire scene.
The home and a nearby motorhome sustained heavy damaged. A fire investigator was requested to complete a cause/origin investigation. After investigation, it was determined the fire was accidental in nature and caused by a propane heater that had tipped over. Red Cross was requested to assist the two displaced occupants.
San Bernardino County Fire responded with four Engines, a Battalion Chief, a Medic Ambulance, and a Fire Investigator. Animal Control, Code Enforcement, and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department also assisted with the portions of the incident.
