Structure Fire Challenges Golden Valley Firefighters

PHOTOS (from top):
Firefighters arrive to find heavy smoke coming from underneath and from the attic area, work being done on hot-spots after the fire was extinguished, overhauling the interior, pulling ceiling tiles to look for fire extension

NARRATIVE:

Golden Valley Firefighters responded to a structure fire at 3887 N. Bowie Road at 8:00 am on Tuesday, July 2nd after a neighbor discovered the fire, initially thinking the homeowner was having an illegal burn. Firefighters arrived within two minutes to discover the underside of the doublewide on fire, as well as the bedroom and attic area. The initial crew made entry and determined there were no occupants, which was later confirmed by neighbors who stated they were on vacation. Firefighters were forced to enter the building from the side that was well involved in fire due to a large volume of storage in the front room, which is counterintuitive, according to Chief O’Donohue. Despite strong winds which accelerated the fire growth, the fire was declared under control with thirty-one minutes of arrival, saving the majority of the structure. O’Donohue reported that three engine companies, two water tenders, three chiefs, fire marshal, and several off-duty personnel responded to quickly mitigate the fire. “We take no chances when it comes to saving homes or ensuring firefighter safety”, O’Donohue said. There were no injuries and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.