Sacramento, California-- This morning at 8:07 a.m., Fire Fighters from the Sacramento area responded to several reports of a mobile home fire located at 7139 Sundown Dr. in the Southgate Mobile Home Park. While the fire was being knocked down, two children were found in the home and had already succumbed to the smoke and flames.
Craig Braswell, a Sacramento Fire Department Captain who was traveling in his personal vehicle to a firehouse, saw the column of smoke and stopped. He donned his safety gear and ran to the mobile home to find an adult female who was covered in soot stating that her 4 year old daughter and 3 year old son were still inside. Captain Braswell attempted to yank off the security bars on the windows with his hands and was using a garden hose in attempts to keep the flames away.
The mother stated that she awoke to a smoke filled house this morning in her bedroom. She grabbed her daughter who was next to her and headed down the hall knowing that there are bars on her bedroom windows. She kicked out the kitchen window and then stated that there was a large explosion. The flames and superheated smoke were too strong for her to re-enter and she could hear her daughter's screams.
Crews from the Sacramento Fire Department and Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District arrived within minutes and were able to bring the fire under control. While searching the mobile home, fire fighters were able to find both children. Sacramento Fire Department Investigators continue to interview family and witnesses along with sifting through the remains of the mobile home. The estimated dollar loss is at $225,000.
The single alarm response included three Engine Companies, two Truck Companies, one Medic Unit, and 11 additional command and support staff bringing the total number of Fire Fighters to 33.
The family has stated that just a few weeks ago a smoke detector was purchased but never installed. The smoke detector was setting on top of the dresser in the bedroom. An early indication of this fire by a working smoke detector could have changed the outcome of this tragic fire.
