By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY
Senior Writer
A fire that broke out about 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, laid waste to a two-story residence in the 1300 block of Sequoia Drive in Lake Arrowhead.
Upon arrival, firefighters from CalFire and San Bernardino County Fire discovered the structure fully engulfed in flames. Contractors working at the site noticed smoke coming from the upper windows and called 911. A nearby resident told the Alpine Mountaineer that he smelled smoke and then saw smoke rising through the trees and dense brush at the top of the hillside above his house, which is about three blocks away from the fire scene.
Firefighters reportedly used access roads, some of which are paved and others unpaved and narrow. Nonetheless, they were able to gain access via roads both under and above the fire scene, which allowed fire crews to attack the blaze, while protecting adjacent homes. Following an aggressive interior attack, the blaze was brought under control in just under one hour, with no extension to neighboring structures or the forest.
Five engine companies, two Chief Officers, two medic ambulances and an investigator, totaling 22 personnel, were assigned to the incident, and CalFire assisted with an engine company. No civilian injuries were reported; however, two firefighters were evaluated on-scene for minor injuries, with one being transported to a local hospital for treatment of unidentified wounds. San Bernardino County Fire officials confirmed that this firefighter was released and is suffering no lasting injuries.
Damage estimates were still being compiled at 9:33 a.m. on Tuesday and the cause of the blaze remained under investigation by the County Fire Marshal at press time.
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