Mobile Home Fire In Stratmoor Valley
There is a fire at a mobile home in Stratmoor Valley.
The fire started around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in the 1200 block of Denise Drive. According to Stratmoor Hills Fire Department, everyone was able to evacuate the burning home safely.
According to Preston Taylor, the homeowner, his wife and 3-year-old son were inside the home when the fire started but were able to evacuate.
“They got out really quick, got to neighbors. Luckily, none of them were hurt. I don’t know what I’d do if one of them got hurt,” said Taylor.
The family dog also made it out safely, but a pet turtle was lost in the fire, said Taylor.
Taylor said the fireplace was on and believes an ember popped out catching the carpet on fire.
“Trailers go up like matchbooks. There’s not much you can do,” he said.
The fire department has ruled the fire accidental, but is still investigating the cause of the fire.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said neighboring homes were evacuated as crews work to contain the fire. One home next door suffered heat damage on the side paneling.
The home is a total loss and the family does not have home owner’s insurance. Taylor said the family did have insurance but that it just lapsed.
“It was all we could do before to keep food in our kids’ belly’s and a roof over their head. We ain’t doing such a good job now,” said Taylor.
The Red Cross is helping the displaced family with their current needs.
The Stratmoor Fire Department is also trying to figure out why two fire hydrants were not functioning properly in the area. The delay in getting water hampered the crews firefighting efforts.
