A second suspected case of arson occurred in Morongo Valley this week. Yesterday (February 9) just before 8 a.m., the Morongo Valley Fire Department received a dispatch call regarding a vehicle fire in the 48000 block of Tamarisk Dr. in Morongo Valley.
According to a press release, when the Medic Engine arrived on-scene they observed a fully involved 2005 Chevy Colorado pick-up truck on fire parked underneath two trees approximately 15 feet from the residence. Captain Chris Chavez took command of the scene to protect the nearby residence, trees, and surrounding vegetation. Firefighters from Morongo Valley Fire Department began a fire attack and had the fire extinguished within 30 minutes after arriving on-scene. The fire attack was hampered by the vehicle’s fuel tank exploding and a potable propane tank in the back of the pick-up bed. Also prolonging the fire attack was keeping the fire away from fuel cans that were stored outside near the burning vehicle. The pick-up truck was destroyed by fire.
Fire personnel from Cal Fire and Morongo Valley Fire Department were successful in stopping the fire from spreading into the moderate vegetation surrounding the property and from preventing the fire from spreading into the trees and nearby canyon located adjacent to the burning vehicle.
While the firefighters were securing the scene, Chief Brakebill contacted the registered owner of the vehicle who was also the occupant of the residence. The registered owner related he was awakened from his bed when he heard the horn activated on his vehicle at approximately 7:30 a.m. When he looked outside, he observed his pick-up truck on fire and notified 911. The registered owner also made statements to Chief Brakebill suspecting that the fire was deliberately set to destroy his work tools and equipment that was stored in his pick-up.
Based on the on-scene evidence, including several fuel cans in very close proximity to the burning vehicle, and statements from the owner, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department was contacted to investigate and determine if the crime of arson was committed.
Due to the quick response and the appropriate fireground tactics by fire personnel, there was no fire impingement to the surrounding vegetation, trees, fuel cans, and no damage to the residence. There were no injuries to fire personnel working on the fire scene.
