Fire destroys trailer on Maple Avenue

A fire Tuesday destroyed a small home in the 1900 block of Maple Avenue, but three adults and one 16 year old were able to make it out uninjured, said a Yuma Fire Department spokesman.

"All were able to get out safely," said Yuma Fire Department (YFD) Spokesman Mike Erfert.

However, the residents reported that three dogs that were believed to be in the home during the fire were not found, Erfert said.

Erfert said the residence, described as a small mobile home, is located at 1947 Maple Ave.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, he said.

The call to YFD came in just before 4:30 p.m., Erfert said.

"(Firefighters) arrived to find the mobile home completely involved in fire with heavy smoke and fire coming from it," Erfert said.

Several factors complicated the firefighting effort, he said.

"The firefighting efforts were complicated by live power lines that were down around the trailer and the alley," Erfert said.

In addition, he said, that bystanders who came out to watch the fire also complicated the efforts.

"On one part, (firefighters were) fighting the fire and the other part looking out for people who were too close to the down line," he said.

He said it's a warning to people in situations such as this.

"People should always treat down lines as if they were live," Erfert said.

In addition to YFD, the Yuma Police Department responded and assisted in closing down the block of Maple Avenue.

A neighboring mobile home did sustain some damage.

Also, Erfert said that Marine Corps Air Station Yuma helped respond to the fire and sent an engine from its structural fire department.

Erfert said the residence did not require assistance from the Red Cross and that they had made other arrangements.

Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.