Yuma, Arizona - Today, shortly before 2:00 am, a fire was reported in the Cliffs Trailer Park, 2501 South Virginia Drive. First arriving Yuma Fire Department personnel found heavy smoke and flames coming from a structure (determined to be a free standing apartment) on the property. Fire was also beginning to spread to an adjoining mobile home. Firefighters extinguished the fire but the apartment and two mobile homes were severely damaged.
There were four people in the different residences at the time of the fire and all were able to evacuate safely without injury. It was reported that two dogs died in the fire. The occupant of the apartment said he saw fire in another room and tried to put it out with water. The fire spread quickly due to the closeness of the structures, and items in the yards made access difficult. The American Red Cross was called to the scene but occupants had left the area and later declined assistance. Fire investigators are working to determine the origin and cause of the fire.
Most fatal fires happen late at night or in the early morning hours. Fires grow quickly and can double in size every minute. Working smoke alarms give early warning and keeping yards free of clutter and other combustibles help to reduce fire spread.