EARLY MORNING FIRE DESTROYS MORONGO VALLEY MOBILE HOME

A Morongo Valley fire that destroyed a mobile home early New Year’s Day is blamed on an overloaded electrical outlet. Morongo Valley firefighters didn’t have far to go to fight the blaze, as it was literally across the highway from the fire station, in the 49800 block of 29 Palms Highway. Morongo Valley Deputy Fire Chief Jim Brakebill said the alarm came in at 6:15 a.m. and the 1977 Silver Stream mobile home was fully involved in flames when crews from Morongo Valley and Calfire arrived. Brakebill added that fighting the fire was tough, as it was tucked in very close next to a building and a trailer. Brakebill said the fire was caused by too many cords plugged into an electrical outlet, including a cord for the water heater in the back of the trailer, where the fire started. Firefighters had the blaze knocked down in about 30 minutes and Brakebill praised his firefighters for keeping the blaze from spreading. Red Cross was called in to assist the resident as he lost not only his home but all his belongings as well.