A residential structure fire on South Gay Street Wednesday did extensive damage to the second floor of the home, and one occupant was transported to Banner Lassen where she was treated, then released, for injuries sustained in the blaze. The woman was found unconscious in the burning room and along with her dog was carried to safety by two Susanville Police Officers.
According to Susanville Fire Captain Tom Hernandez, at 1:37 Wednesday afternoon the Susanville Fire Department, along with automatic aid from the Susan River Fire Protection District and Cal Fire responded to the fire in the 200 block of South Gay Street.
On arrival of the first-in engine company, smoke was observed coming from the roof and second story windows of the single residence. Firefighters performed fire attack and ventilation operations and knocked down the fire in less than half an hour.
Salvage and overhaul operations were also performed.
“A single bedroom on the second floor sustained extensive damage from the fire and heavy smoke damage,” said Hernandez. “The rest of the structure received smoke damage.”
At the time of the structure fire there was a single occupant in the structure with her pet dog, both were rescued by acting Sergeant Bollinger and Officer Leiss of the Susanville City Police Department.
The massive response to the fire included four chief officers, three police officer units, five fire trucks and one ladder truck.
According to Hernandez the cause of the fire has been determined to be smoking in bed on the second floor of the residence.
Agencies also assisting in the incident were Susanville Police Department, Lassen County Sheriff, LMUD, City of Susanville, Red Cross and Lassen OES.
