Yakima, Washington – Fire in Mobile Home Causes Death of Woman and Pet Animals

Yakima, Washington (November 12, 2019) – Update: A fire broke out in a mobile home on the 1300 block of Alder Street on Tuesday afternoon. It was reported that a 40 year-old woman was taken to a hospital following the incident, unfortunately she was later pronounced dead. Fire crews have also confirmed that several animals were killed by the fire.

Firefighters from the Yakima Fire Department responded to the incident around 4:30 p.m. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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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