This is a follow up to an earlier story. Click here to read our initial coverage of the incident.
The Susanville Fire Department has released the details surrounding a residential structure fire on Upland Street last Thursday that displaced a family and completely destroyed their home.
According to firefighter Kalvn McFarland from the Susanville Fire Department on May 1st at around 5:40p.m. the agency responded to a reported smoke check in the area of Covina Avenue and Upland Street.
While Engine 623 was responding to the incident, said McFarland, Engine 623 was advised from dispatch that this incident was a possible escape debris burn threatening a structure. Engine 623 arrived at scene to find a fully involved residential structure.
A full structure fire response was dispatched which resulted in the response of additional resources from Susanville Fire Department and automatic aid from the Susan River Fire Protection District and Cal Fire.
Firefighters began a defensive fire attack on the fire to protect adjacent structures.
As other fire apparatus arrived at scene, an aggressive exterior fire attack was utilized to control the fire. The fire was under control at approximately 7:00p.m.
Damage to the structure consisted of heavy charring from the floor to the ceiling throughout the structure. There was also heavy damage to a shed in the backyard of the residence.
The incident required the use of 3 Chief Officers, 5 Fire Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Fire Utility, and 4 Susanville Police Officers. Agencies assisting in the incident included; Susan River Fire Protection District, Cal Fire, Standish Litchfield Fire Protection District, LMUD, Red Cross, and Lassen County OES.
One Susanville Police Officer and one Susanville Fire Department Firefighter suffered minor injuries, they were treated and released from Banner Lassen Medical Center.
The fire was determined to be human caused, accidental in nature, and started outside of the residential structure, spreading into the residential structure and a shed.