Prosser, Washington – Two Children Dead in Fire that Broke Out in Mobile Home

Prosser, Washington  (July 25, 2019) – Two children died in the aftermath of a fire which broke out in a mobile home on the 800 block of Higdon Road. The victims, a 10 year-old boy and a 7 year-old girl, were alone at home when the fire broke out. Neighbors attempted to rescue the children but were unable to get in. Firefighters pulled the two children out, but the girl was pronounced dead on the scene. The boy was taken to a hospital, but was pronounced dead.

Firefighters responded to the scene around 6 a.m. when a passerby reported smoke and flames coming from the mobile home. No other homes were damaged in the incident. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is said to be investigating the smoke detectors in the home. The cause of the fire has not been determined as of this time. The parents of the victims were not home at the time, and were reported to be distraught upon hearing the news.

About Fire

We offer our sympathies and compassion for the friends and loved ones of the victims. Unfortunately, this is not the only fatal case of fire. There are many dangers present in fire, and studies have pointed to the structure of the mobile home as some of the most dangerous in a fire. Mobile homes are often considered manufactured housing, which is defined as any home constructed in a manufacturing plant and transport-able in one or two sections. Their economical state and availability makes them attractive to many buyers across America. In the state of Washington, mobile homes compose around 7.5% of housing, which is a fairly small number. However, the U.S. Fire Administration has stated that the fatality rate in mobile homes are doubled compared to regular, on-site houses.

The high level of danger in a mobile home fire comes from its structure. The frames in mobile homes are composed of a light steel structure, which can easily bend in high heat. In addition, floors are made of wood, and in a fire, both the frame and wood can easily collapse and trap occupants or firefighters. Coupled with the small spaces in mobile homes, a fire in this structure comes with great risk. Homeowners are advised to consider fire safety at all times, and firefighters are instructed to be wary of tackling a mobile home fire. Beyond the damage and loss inflicted on property, the threat of injuries and death should make everyone living in these homes to follow safety regulations.

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