Maple Valley, Washington – Fire in Mobile Home Displaces Couple, Causes Death of Pets

Maple Valley, Washington (November 17, 2019) – A fire broke out in a double-wide mobile home at the 27400 block of 220th Place Southeast on Sunday morning. The older couple living in the house were able to evacuate the scene without injuries, but their pet cat and dog succumbed to smoke inhalation. The fire also displaced the couple, and they are currently being assisted by the American Red Cross.

According to the report the man spotted a fire coming from the medical oxygen bottle, and he helped his wife to evacuate the scene. He called 911, and units from Puget Sound Fire responded to the scene around 10:40 a.m. South King County Medic One was also on scene to check out the couple and were on standby for firefighter safety. The fire has been ruled as an accident.

About 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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