On Monday, December 23rd, just before 7:30 pm Crescent City Fire & Rescue was dispatched to Leif Circle for a structure fire.
While in route to the scene, a volunteer Battalion Chief reported that flames were visible, as dispatch reported that the occupant had escaped the home with her dogs.
The first arriving unit from Crescent City Fire & Rescue found the primary residence well involved and the fire had begun extending into the structure on the Southside exposure. Hose lines were pulled, and crews began an exterior attack on a large porch area and the neighboring home wall to knock down fire. A 5-gallon propane tank added to the fire as it vented its contents into the covered porch and house. Crews also worked to keep fire away from an approximately 125-gallon heating fuel oil tank that flames were pouring over.
The second arriving unit attached a large supply line to the hydrant at the entrance to Leif Circle and to the first pumping engine. Pelican Bay arrived and assisted. Additional lines were pulled and supported crews who made a fire attack on the interior of the structure.
Heavy fire was found in the attic space and rear bedroom areas. The structure was also searched to confirm no other occupants had been inside. Fort Dick Volunteer Fire Department was requested mutual aid to assist by providing coverage to the greater Crescent City area. Crews had fire knockdown at approximately 8:15 pm, and remained on scene for an overhaul to makes sure all fire was extinguished until approximately 10:45pm.
The occupant’s dogs alerted her to the fire in the exterior porch area. One Crescent City Fire & Rescue member was transported to Sutter Coast Hospital by Del Norte Ambulance and evaluated and treated for possible smoke inhalation and was released a short time later while units were still on scene.
The primary residence was heavily damaged by fire. The residence to the South suffered exterior damage, and damage from fire and smoke to its interior carport area, with smoke into the living area.
After a preliminary investigation, it appeared the fire started in the exterior covered porch area near the controls for a hot tub, based upon fire damage patterns and fire spread into the structure. The cause appears accidental.
In the case on Monday night’s fire, the occupant’s dogs alerted her to the fire in the exterior porch area. Crescent City Fire & Rescue would like to remind our community that smoke detectors that are properly installed and maintained will help alert occupants to rapidly spreading smoke and give you time to get out.
