Maple Falls, Washington – One Dead in Motor Home Fire

Maple Falls, Washington (March 31, 2019) – A woman and her pet dog were found dead in the aftermath of a fire which fully engulfed the motor home she was living in. The fire broke out around 2:10 a.m., and witnesses heard the victim calling for help. The neighbors attempted to help her, but were repelled by the intense blaze. When the first firefighters arrived, the fire had already spread through the entirety of the home. After battling the blaze, the crews found the bodies of the victim and her pet dog.

Whatcom County Undersheriff Jeriff Parks have stated that initial examinations revealed that the victim was trying through the front driver’s side of the home, but was overcome by the smoke and flames. Detectives and fire investigators have found no indication of foul play, but the cause of the fire is undetermined.

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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