Man suffers minor burns after re-entering burning home (3-2-11)

BY KRIS REILLY, Editor

LUCERNE VALLEY • A local man lost his mobile home to a fire on Feb. 19 and was treated for minor burns after trying to re-enter the residence, authorities said.

San Bernardino County Fire Station 8 Captain Lars Hanson said the blaze started around 4 p.m. on Buena Vista near Furst.

The local county engine responded along with county engines from Hesperia and Spring Valley Lake. Firefighters decided not to enter the single-wide trailer because the fire had engulfed the structure and no one was inside, Hanson said.

The resident, whose name was not released, had tried to re-enter the home at some point before firefighters arrived, Hanson said. The man was transported to St. Mary Medical Center in Apple Valley for observation.

Hanson said it took about 45 minutes to extinguish the blaze, which was intensified by high winds.

Hanson said the home was a total loss, but a nearby 50-foot houseboat was saved.

Investigators determined that the fire was started by unattended food on a stove, Hanson said.