The tone sounded at 6:49 p.m., dispatching Hopewell Fire and Rescue for a vehicle fire-possible entrapment at 2400 Oaklawn Blvd., Trailer 29, on Monday.
"The call was upgraded to two vehicles on fire while we were enroute," said Acting Captain Tommy Tygrest. "Responding were Engines: 11, 12, 21, and 22, Truck 17, Battalion Chief Donald Hunter III and Fire Marshal Larry D.Turner. By time we arrived it was three vehicles involved and the trailer was totally engulfed in flames and smoke.
"In one of the vehicles," Tygrest continued, "a child had somehow become locked in the car. A neighbor broke the windshield on the vehicle and a family member pulled the child out. The child and the family member suffered non-life threatening injuries. Two other people received minor burns and were treated at the scene."
The mobile home and vehicles were beyond saving.
"When firefighters arrived on the scene," Tygrest explained, "flames were rolling down the eaves of the trailer and fire blowing out of the windows. Heavy smoke and heavy flames billowed from the home and vehicles. It was quite a sight that's for sure. In less than 15 minutes the trailer was destroyed. The mobile home and all three vehicles are a total loss."
Firefighters were on the scene over two hours. Fire Officals estimate damage to the mobile home is $20,000 (includes contents), and $10,000 vehicle damages. "The cause of the fire is believed to be a child playing with matches," Tygrest said. "No one was in the trailer at the time of the fire."