SPRING VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – Residents of a Spring Valley home were displaced Sunday morning when a vehicle crashed into their home, sparking an inferno.
The fire was reported just after 10:00 a.m. when the San Bernardino County Fire Department received multiple reports that a vehicle crashed into a home causing the home to become fully involved with fire. As the first responding firefighters approached the area, a large column of smoke could be seen. The first engine arrived at the home in the 13000 of block Riverview Drive, Spring Valley Lake within around 5 minutes to a well-involved single story home. The surrounding homes were reportedly threatened by the fire.
The winds hampered the operation and caused concern for the fire spreading to other structures. Additional resources responded to the area initiating an attack. Multiple vehicles were found to be involved. Firefighters searched for potential victims in the vehicle and inside the home. “Crews deployed lines to protect the nearby structures and limit any spread of fire,” said Captain Jeremy Kern in a written statement. “High winds in the area complicated suppression efforts and presented additional challenges with exposures and fire spread. After the initial defensive attack firefighters were able to transition to an offensive operation and enter portions of the involved structure with the priority to search for any occupants. Firefighters entered the home and initiated an offensive fire attack.”
The primary and secondary search was conducted and all clear for the involved building and exposures. The fire was knocked down within 30 minutes. One firefighter suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. No civilians were injured as a result of the fire. A total of 35 personnel from San Bernardino County Fire were assigned to the incident. Apple Valley Fire District also assisted with one truck.
The cause of the fire was the traffic collision into the home. Damages estimates are not known at this time, but fire officials said that the damage is significant. Firefighters were able to successfully prevent the fire spreading to other nearby homes. “The fire remains under investigation by the county office of the fire marshal and California Highway Patrol,” Kern said. “Additional information as to cause, and traffic collision will be released by CHP. Due to the resources committed at the fire additional county fire equipment was brought in from the valley division to maintain service levels and station coverage.”
San Bernardino County Fire reminds residents to provide two means of escape from every room and make sure everyone knows where to meet after leaving the home. Develop and practice a fire escape plan for your household. Remember, never return to a burning building for any reason. Your belongings can be replaced –you can’t! Learn more at www.sbcfire.org.
