Firefighters from several local agencies worked in triple digit temperatures Thursday to rescue an occupant from a residential structure fire on Mesa Street that destroyed several rooms in the home.
On July 18th, shortly before 1:00p.m., Susanville Interagency Dispatch Center dispatched the Susanville Fire Department and Cal-FIRE to a reported fence and backyard fire in the 100 block of N. Mesa Street.
“CalFire E2261 arrived on scene and encountered heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of the residence. E2261 was advised that there was a person still inside the residence confined to a bed and unable to get out of the home,” details Susanville Fire Department Captain Dale Johnson.
The crew from Engine 2261, along with members of the Susanville Police Dept made entry into the front of the house and successfully removed the occupant.
Susanville City Fire Truck 1 arrived on scene and immediately upgraded the response to a working structure fire, requesting SEMSA for treatment and transport of the rescued occupant.
All three engines worked together to extinguish the house fire and a shed fire next door.
“CDCR E5210 arrived on scene and assisted with extinguishment and salvage and overhaul. The fire damage was limited to the back 3 rooms of the residence with smoke damage throughout the rest of the residence.”
The residence was deemed uninhabitable and red tagged by the city building department.
“Once the overhaul was completed, a fire investigation began. The fire was determined to have originated in the backyard of the residence; however, the cause is still under investigation. Investigators are waiting to review surveillance camera footage from the surrounding area.”
There were smoke inhalation injuries suffered by the rescued occupant and two cats perished inside the residence due to smoke inhalation. There were no firefighter injuries.
The Susanville Fire Department was supported by CalFire, Susan River Fire District, CDCR Fire, Janesville Fire, City of Susanville Gas, Water and Building Departments, LMUD and the Susanville Police Department.
“The Susanville City Fire Department wants to remind citizens to dispose of burning items properly and to make sure you have the correct amount of working smoke detectors in your residence.”
