Fire destroys Wellton home

A Christmas Eve fire, which was later ruled to have been accidental, completely destroyed a trailer house in the town of Wellton.

Wellton Fire Department Spokesman and Fire Investigator David Rodriguez said firefighters were dispatched to the Sun Country R.V. Park at approximately 9:30 a.m. Thursday morning, for a report of a fully engulfed 5th wheel trailer with multiple buildings in danger.

Upon arrival, Rodriguez said fire crews found a 2008 Wildwood 5th wheel trailer fully engulfed. He added that witnesses on scene stated the owners of the 5th wheel could not be located and there was a possibility they may have been inside the trailer.

"The neighbors didn't see (the owners) exit," Rodriguez said. "We weren't sure if it was a fatality at that point."

The fire was fully extinguished approximately 19 minutes later. Rodriguez said the owners identified as Albert, 70, and Elizabeth, 60, Gilbert were later located unharmed returning from the grocery store.  

There were no reported injuries and the 5th wheel was considered a total loss.

Multiple witnesses on scene said they noticed smoke coming out of the top of the residence.

Rodriguez said the origin of the fire was located to the northeast part of the trailer, possibly in the living room quarters.  

Tri-Valley Ambulance, the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, Border Patrol, Rural Metro, the Wellton Police Department and the Wellton-Mohawk District also responded to the fire and provided assistance.

"If it wasn’t for the quick response from all public safety agencies, the damage could have been greater," Rodriguez said.

The Sun Country owners rented the Gilberts a suite at the R.V. Park until their trailer home is replaced.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.