Royal City, Washington – Fire in Mobile Home Results in Death of Child

Royal City, Washington (November 3, 2019) – A fire broke out in a mobile home park at the 133 block of Catalpa Avenue Northeast on early Sunday morning, resulting in the death of one child. The victim, a five year-old girl, was reported to have been trapped and unable to escape the blaze. The other occupants of that residence were able to evacuate, and no other injuries were reported.

Firefighters were responded to the scene around 3 a.m. The fire ultimately burned two other trailers and damaged another. The cause of the fire is being investigated by Royal City police.

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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