Vehicle fire destroys mobile home in Anderson

Photo by Paul Robeson

Photo by Michael Woodward

A vehicle fire in an open garage destroyed the mobile home of Julie Grimm at the corner of Betty Drive and Hazel Drive in the River Park Mobile Estates off Rupert Drive in Anderson.

The fire was reported before 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 6.

Grimm said she had just filled the gas tank and heard a pop from her car as she arrived home.

According to Anderson Fire Protection District Chief Roy Del Carlo, Grimm said she smelled smoke coming from her car as she pulled into the carport. She popped her hood and went into her home to call AAA regarding her car. During the call, which allegedly lasted about 10 minutes, the fire developed in the car and mobile home. A neighbor saw the fire and alerted Grimm to leave. A neighbor also made the call to 911.

CalFire received the first call at 2:43 p.m., Anderson Fire was dispatched at 2:44 p.m., firefighters responded at 2:47 and arrived at the mobile home at 2:52 p.m.

"To get dressed and respond Code 3 in nine minutes is pretty good time," said Del Carlo. "We made a nice attack on the trailer. There was some smoke damage inside, but usually you can't save mobile homes once a fire starts."

"There was major damage to the roof structure and enclosed ceiling space, but more than 80 percent of the trailer contents are salvageable, such as furniture, appliances and personal belongings," said Del Carlo.

Del Carlo said that it was fortunate that Anderson had four firefighters on the engine and a water supply available; typically only two crew are available.

CalFire Station 43 at the Redding Municipal Airport also responded with four firefighters.