A structure fire in Morongo Valley Tuesday (February 1) has left a family displaced after claiming the lives of two of their dogs. Shortly after 4 p.m. on February 1, the Morongo Valley Fire Department received a dispatch call regarding a structure fire in the 9300 block of Terrace Dr. which was located south of Highway 62. A press release from Chief Brakebill says that when fire units arrived on-scene they observed a fully involved single-family residential structure on fire with impingement onto the surrounding vegetation. The residence was not occupied at the time the fire started.
While crews were attacking the blaze, the occupants returned to their property to find their house on fire. One of the occupants ran into the house to rescue their three dogs and was quickly overcome by smoke and had to be transported by Morongo Basin Ambulance to Hi-Desert Medical Center for treatment of smoke inhalation. Two dogs perished in the fire and one dog survived.
Chief Brakebill interviewed the property owner and occupants who stated that one occupant inadvertently left an electric space heater on in the bedroom before they left to do their errands in Yucca Valley. Chief Brakebill and the Cal Fire Investigator conducted a preliminary investigation of the fire scene and found the burn patterns and evidence that were consistent with the statements obtained from the occupants. There were no injuries to fire personnel working on the fire scene.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking equipment is the leading cause of home structure fires and fire injuries, followed by heating equipment. Other causes include smoking, electrical problems and children playing with fire and candles. In fact, fire is the third leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14. With some prevention tips, here’s reporter Ernest Figueroa…
Keep children at least three feet away from anything hot, including candles, space heaters and stove-tops. Have an annual inspection of your furnace or heating system. Never leave cigarette lighters or matches where children can reach them, and don’t play with lighters or matches if children are nearby as they may imitate your behavior. Check electrical appliances for loose or frayed cords and turn off after use. Lamps and nightlights should not touch any fabrics, such as bedspreads or drapes. Always supervise children around the stove, oven and microwave.
Keep candles out of reach of children and pets, curtains and furniture and never leave candles unattended. Keep space heaters out of walking paths and away from children, pets and beds. Keep your fireplace clean and only burn wood – papers and other materials can escape while burning and ignite something nearby.
The keys to fire safety and prevention are being prepared, having a plan, and acting quickly if a fire should break out. If someone is burned or inhales smoke, call 9-1-1 or seek medical attention immediately.
