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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Report 1417 Carmel_RedactedNFIRS-1 Basic 40060 CA 05 31 2024 Fire Station 4 (FS4) 24-03089 0 FDID State Month Day Year Station Number Exposure Location Type Census tract: Street Address Intersection In Front Of Rear Of Adjacent To Directions US National Grid 1417 CARMEL Number Prefix Street or Highway Street Type Suffix San Luis Obispo CA 93401 Apt./Suite/Room City State Zip Code Cross Street Incident Type 111-Structure Fire Aid Given Or Received 1 Mutual Aid Received 2 Auto. Aid Received 3 Mutual Aid Given 4 Auto. Aid Given 5 Other Aid Given None Their FDID Their State Their Incident Number Dates and Times Alarm 05 31 2024 14:29 Arrival 05 31 2024 14:31 Controlled 05 31 2024 14:35 Last Unit Cleared 05 31 2024 16:34 Shifts and Alarms A 1 FZ1 Shift or Platoon Alarms District Special Studies 9244 3 - No, COVID 19 was not a factor ID#Value A B C D E1 E2 E3 Page 1 of 13 Actions Taken 11-Extinguishment by fire service personnel Primary Action Taken Resources Apparatus or Personnel Module is used. Apparatus Personnel Suppression 6 15 EMS 0 0 Other 0 0 Resource counts include aid received resources. Estimated Dollar Losses and Values Losses:Required for all fires if known. Optional for all non-fires. None Property:$ 2,036.00 Contents:$ 500.00 Pre-Incident Values: Optional None Property:$ 203,674.00 Contents:$ 25,000.00 Completed Modules 2 - Fire 3 - Structure Fire 4 - Civilian Fire Cas. 5 - Fire Service Cas. 6 - EMS 7 - HazMat 8 - Wildland Fire 9 - Apparatus 10 - Personnel 11 - Arson Casualties None Deaths Injuries Fire Service 0 0 Civilian 0 0 Detector Required for Confined Fires 1 - Detector Alerted Occupants 2 - Detector Did Not Alert Them 3 - Unknown Hazardous Materials Release 1 - Natural Gas 2 - Propane Gas 3 - Gasoline 4 - Kerosene 5 - Diesel Fuel / Fuel Oil 6 - Household Solvents 7 - Motor Oil 8 - Paint 0 - Other None Mixed Use Property Not Mixed 10 - Assembly Use 20 - Education Use 33 - Medical Use 40 - Residential Use 51 - Row Of Stores 53 - Enclosed Mall 58 - Business and Residential 59 - Office Use 60 - Industrial Use 63 - Military Use 65 - Farm Use 00 - Other Mixed Use Property Use None Structures 131 Church, Place of Worship 161 Restaurant or Cafeteria 162 Bar/Tavern or Nightclub 213 Elementary School, Kindegarten 215 High School, Junior High 241 College, Adult Education 311 Nursing Home 331 Hospital 341 Clinic, Clinic-Type Infirmary 342 Doctor/Dentist Office 361 Prison or Jail, Not Juvenile 419 1- or 2-Family Dwelling 429 MultiFamily Dwelling 439 Rooming/Boarding House 449 Commerical Hotel or Motel 459 Residential, Board and Care 464 Dormitory/Barracks 519 Food and Beverage Sales 539 Household Goods, Sales, Repairs 571 Gas or Service Station 579 Motor Vehicle/Boat Sales/Repairs 599 Business Office 615 Electric-Generating Plant 629 Laboratory/Science Laboratory 700 Manufacturing Plant 819 Livestock/Poultry Storage (Barn) 882 Non-Residential Parking Garage 891 Warehouse Outside 124 Playground or Park 655 Crops or Orchard 669 Forest (Timberland) 807 Outdoor Storage Area 919 Dump or Sanitary Landfill 931 Open Land or Field 936 Vacant Lot 938 Graded/Cared for Plot of Land 946 Lake, River, Stream 951 Railroad Right-of-Way 960 Other Street 961 Highway/Divided Highway 962 Residential Street/Driveway 981 Construction Site 984 Industrial Plant Yard Property Use: Description Look up and enter a Property Use code and description only if you have NOT checked a Property Use box. Owner Local Option Person/Entity Type Business Name (if applicable)Phone Number Mr., Ms., Mrs.First Name MI Last Name Suffix Number Prefix Street or Highway Street Type Suffix Post Office Box Apt./Suite/Room City State Zip Code F G1 G2 H1 H2 H3 I J K2 Page 2 of 13 Remarks: First alarm structure fire response to the report of flames and smoke seen from the backyard. E4 arrived at scene and established Carmel IC, reporting a small fire in the back. FF4 began deploying a 1-3/4" crosslay while E4 began a 360 with a water can. Upon reaching the charlie delta corner of the duplex in the front, E4 located a window air conditioning unit laying on the ground next to a water heater closet that was burning and beginning to expose the eaves of the building. E4 used a water can and knocked the fire down. FF4 utilized the hoseline pulled to overhaul the fire. T1 arrived at scene and was assigned to check the interior of the structure for any extension. BC1 arrived at scene and assumed Carmel IC, assigning T1 as Division A, T2 to roof division, E4 to fire attack. E4 reported to Division A that the fire had been knocked down. Crews checked the interior of the structure and verified no extension. T2 checked the roofing material, pulled back some drip edge and watered down a small area exposed to fire. All units released with the exception of E4. A fire investigator and building inspector were called to the scene. Fire investigator initiated an investigation with the assistance of E4. Once the scene was released, E4 removed all charred material to check for any hidden fire and turned the scene over to Prevention 23. Authorization 41550 Hais, Ray Fire Battalion Chief 06/01/2024 Officer In Charge ID Signature Position or Rank Assignment Date 46955 Hoover, Nicholas Fire Captain Fire Station 4 06/01/2024 Member Making Report ID Signature Position or Rank Assignment Date L M Page 3 of 13 NFIRS-2 Fire 40060 CA 05 31 2024 Fire Station 4 (FS4) 24-03089 0 FDID State Month Day Year Station Number Exposure Property Details B1 2 Not Residential Estimated number of residential living units in the building of origin whether or not all units became involved B2 Buildings Not Involved Number of buildings involved B3 None Less than 1 acre Acres burned (outside fires) On-Site Materials Or Products On-Site Materials Storage Use Ignition D1 93-Courtyard, patio, terrace Area of Fire Origin D2 Undetermined Heat Source D3 99-Multiple items first ignited Item First Ignited D4 Type of Material First Ignited Cause of Ignition 1 - Intentional 2 - Unintentional 3 - Failure of Equipment or Heat Source 4 - Act of Nature 5 - Cause Under Investigation U - Cause Undetermined After Investigation Factors Contributing to Ignition None Factor Contributing to Ignition Human Factors Contributing to Ignition Check all applicable boxes None 1 - Asleep 2 - Possibly impaired by alcohol or drugs 3 - Unattended person 4 - Possibly Mentally Disabled 5 - Physically Disabled 6 - Multiple Persons Involved 7 - Age Was A Factor Estimated Age of Person Involved Male Female Equipment Involved In Ignition Equipment Involved Brand Model Serial # Year Equipment Power Source Equipment Power Source Equipment Portability 1 - Portable 2 - Stationary Portable equipment normally can be moved by one or two persons. Fire Suppression Factors A B C D E1 E2 E3 F1 F2 F3 G Page 4 of 13 Mobile Property Involved 1 - Not involved in ignition, but burned 2 - Involved in ignition, but did not burn 3 - Involved in ignition and burned None Mobile Property Type and Make Mobile Property Type Mobile Property Make Local Use Pre-Fire Plan Available Arson Report Attached Police Report Attached Coroner Report Attached Other Reports Attached Mobile Property Model Year State License Plate Number VIN _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ H1 H2 Page 5 of 13 NFIRS-3 Structure Fire Structure Type 1 - Enclosed Building 2 - Portable/Mobile Structure 3 - Open Structure 4 - Air-Supported Structure 5 - Tent 6 - Open Platform 7 - Underground Structure 8 - Connective Structure 0 - Other Building Status 1 - Under Construction 2 - In Normal Use 3 - Idle, Not Routinely Used 4 - Under Major Renovation 5 - Vacant and Secured 6 - Vacant and Unsecured 7 - Being Demolished 0 - Other U - Undetermined Building Height 1 Number of Stories At/Above Grade 0 Number of Stories Below Grade Main Floor Size 1350 Total Square Feet OR BY Length (ft) X Width (ft) Fire Origin 1 Below Grade Story of Fire Origin Fire Spread Confined to Object of Origin 2 - Confined to Room of Origin 3 - Confined to Floor of Origin 4 - Confined to Building of Origin 5 - Beyond Building of Origin Number of Stories Damaged By Flame 1 Number of Stories w/Minor Damage (1-24%) Number of Stories w/Significant Damage (25-49%) Number of Stories w/Heavy Damage (50-74%) Number of Stories w/Extreme Damage (75-100%) *Count the roof as part of the highest story Type of Material Contributing Most to Flame Spread K1 Item Contributing Most to Flame Spread K2 Type of Material Contributing Most To Flame Spread Presence of Detectors N - None Present 1 - Present U - Undetermined Detector Type 1 - Smoke 2 - Heat 3 - Combination of Smoke and Heat 4 - Sprinkler, Water Flow Detection 5 - More Than One Type Present 0 - Other U - Undetermined Detector Power Supply 1 - Battery Only 2 - Hardwire Only 3 - Plug-In 4 - Hardwire With Battery 5 - Plug-In With Battery 6 - Mechanical 7 - Multiple Detectors & Power Supplies 0 - Other U - Undetermined Detector Operation 1 - Fire Too Small To Activate 2 - Operated 3 - Failed To Operate U - Undetermined Detector Effectiveness 1 - Alerted Occupants, Occupants Responded 2 - Alerted Occupants, Occupants Failed to Respond 3 - There Were No Occupants 4 - Failed to Alert Occupants U - Undetermined Detector Failure Reason 1 - Power Failure, Shutoff, or Disconnect 2 - Improper Installation or Placement 3 - Defective 4 - Lack of Maintenance, Dirty 5 - Battery Missing or Disconnected 6 - Battery Discharged or Dead 0 - Other U - Undetermined I1 I2 I3 I4 J1 J2 J3 K L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 L6 Page 6 of 13 Presence of Automatic Extinguishing System N - None Present 1 - Present 2 - Partial System Present U - Undetermined Type of Automatic Extinguishing System 1 - Wet-Pipe Sprinkler 2 - Dry-Pipe Sprinkler 3 - Other Sprinkler System 4 - Dry Chemical System 5 - Foam System 6 - Halogen-Type System 7 - Carbon Dioxide System 0 - Other U - Undetermined Required if fire was within designed range of AES Operation of Automatic Extinguishing System 1 - Operated/Effective 2 - Operated/Not Effective 3 - Fire Too Small To Activate 4 - Failed To Operate 0 - Other U - Undetermined Required if fire was within designed range Number of Sprinkler Heads Operating Required if system operated Reason for Automatic Extinguishing System Failure 1 - System Shut Off 2 - Not Enough Agent Discharged 3 - Agent Discharged But Did Not Reach Fire 4 - Wrong Type of System 5 - Fire Not In Area Protected 6 - System Components Damaged 7 - Lack of Maintenance 8 - Manual Intervention 0 - Other U - Undetermined Required if system failed or not effective M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 Page 7 of 13 NFIRS-9 Apparatus or Resources 40060 CA 05 31 2024 Fire Station 4 (FS4) 24-03089 0 FDID State Month Day Year Station Number Exposure B Apparatus/Resource Dates/Times Sent Number of People Apparatus Use Actions Taken ID:BC1 Type:92-Chief officer car Dispatch:05/31/2024 14:29 Arrival:05/31/2024 14:32 Clear: Sent 1 Suppression EMS Other 81-Incident command ID:E3 Type:11-Engine Dispatch:05/31/2024 14:29 Arrival:05/31/2024 14:34 Clear: Sent 3 Suppression EMS Other 92-Standby ID:E4 Type:11-Engine Dispatch: Arrival:05/31/2024 14:31 Clear:05/31/2024 16:34 Sent 3 Suppression EMS Other 11-Extinguishment by fire service personnel ID:PRV23 Type: 00-Other apparatus/resource Dispatch: Arrival:05/31/2024 14:40 Clear:05/31/2024 16:34 Sent 1 Suppression EMS Other 86-Investigate ID:T1 Type:12-Truck or aerial Dispatch:05/31/2024 14:29 Arrival:05/31/2024 14:33 Clear:05/31/2024 15:08 Sent 4 Suppression EMS Other 73-Provide manpower ID:T2 Type:12-Truck or aerial Dispatch:05/31/2024 14:29 Arrival:05/31/2024 14:33 Clear:05/31/2024 15:18 Sent 3 Suppression EMS Other 12-Salvage & overhaul A Page 8 of 13 NFIRS-10 Personnel 40060 CA 05 31 2024 Fire Station 4 (FS4) 24-03089 0 FDID State Month Day Year Station Number Exposure B Apparatus/Resource Dates/Times Sent Number of People Apparatus Use Actions Taken ID:BC1 Type:92-Chief officer car Dispatch:05/31/2024 14:29 Arrival:05/31/2024 14:32 Clear: Sent 1 Suppression EMS Other 81-Incident command Personnel ID Name Rank Role Attend Actions Taken 41550 Hais, Ray Battalion Chief ID:E3 Type:11-Engine Dispatch:05/31/2024 14:29 Arrival:05/31/2024 14:34 Clear: Sent 3 Suppression EMS Other 92-Standby Personnel ID Name Rank Role Attend Actions Taken 99163 Martin, Ted Firefighter 100068 Barkhimer, Jake Engineer 54190 King, Michael Captain ID:E4 Type:11-Engine Dispatch: Arrival:05/31/2024 14:31 Clear:05/31/2024 16:34 Sent 3 Suppression EMS Other 11-Extinguishment by fire service personnel Personnel ID Name Rank Role Attend Actions Taken 50826 Johnston, Kenneth Firefighter 99188 Thoele, Brendan Engineer 46955 Hoover, Nicholas Captain ID:PRV23 Type: 00-Other apparatus/resource Dispatch: Arrival:05/31/2024 14:40 Clear:05/31/2024 16:34 Sent 1 Suppression EMS Other 86-Investigate Personnel ID Name Rank Role Attend Actions Taken 16001 Beres, Jason 5588015-Inspector ID:T1 Type:12-Truck or aerial Dispatch:05/31/2024 14:29 Arrival:05/31/2024 14:33 Clear:05/31/2024 15:08 Sent 4 Suppression EMS Other 73-Provide manpower Personnel ID Name Rank Role Attend Actions Taken 100076 McClanahan, Maren Firefighter 70995 Pratt, Jason Captain 57382 Larsen, Patrick Engineer A Page 9 of 13 99186 McAninch, Scott Engineer ID:T2 Type:12-Truck or aerial Dispatch:05/31/2024 14:29 Arrival:05/31/2024 14:33 Clear:05/31/2024 15:18 Sent 3 Suppression EMS Other 12-Salvage & overhaul Personnel ID Name Rank Role Attend Actions Taken 92892 Woods, Mitchell Engineer 34590 Flatos, Alec Captain 30791 Doolin, Luke Firefighter Page 10 of 13 NFIRS-1S Supplemental 40060 CA 05 31 2024 Fire Station 4 (FS4) 24-03089 0 FDID State Month Day Year Station Number Exposure Primary Narrative: First alarm structure fire response to the report of flames and smoke seen from the backyard. E4 arrived at scene and established Carmel IC, reporting a small fire in the back. FF4 began deploying a 1-3/4" crosslay while E4 began a 360 with a water can. Upon reaching the charlie delta corner of the duplex in the front, E4 located a window air conditioning unit laying on the ground next to a water heater closet that was burning and beginning to expose the eaves of the building. E4 used a water can and knocked the fire down. FF4 utilized the hoseline pulled to overhaul the fire. T1 arrived at scene and was assigned to check the interior of the structure for any extension. BC1 arrived at scene and assumed Carmel IC, assigning T1 as Division A, T2 to roof division, E4 to fire attack. E4 reported to Division A that the fire had been knocked down. Crews checked the interior of the structure and verified no extension. T2 checked the roofing material, pulled back some drip edge and watered down a small area exposed to fire. All units released with the exception of E4. A fire investigator and building inspector were called to the scene. Fire investigator initiated an investigation with the assistance of E4. Once the scene was released, E4 removed all charred material to check for any hidden fire and turned the scene over to Prevention 23. Additional Narrative (#1 of 4 ): T2 was assigned to roof division. T2, then re-assigned to assess for extension into roofing. Some roof flashing material was removed to access a small amount of charring. The area was extinguished and flushed with water. T2 assisted with cleanup and was released. Additional Narrative (#2 of 4 ): Upon our arrival, Truck 1 was assigned Division A and to check for fire extension on the inside of the building with a primary search. T1 assumed Div. A and the crew was assigned to make entry into the residence. A primary search was done with no occupants found. There was no extension of the fire to the inside. T! met with the building owner who stated that the residents were in the process of moving out. The owners contact information was gathered and sent To the IC. Truck 1 assisted with cleanup and restoring the apparatus before being released. Additional Narrative (#3 of 4 ): SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU **SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT** Incident Number: 24-03090 Incident Date: May 31, 2024 Incident Address: 1417 Carmel Street, San Luis Obispo Incident Type: Residential structure fire INCIDENT ACTION: SUPPLEMENTAL FIRE INVESTIGATION REPORT Violations: N/A Name: Jason Beres Agency: San Luis Obispo City Fire Department Rank: Fire Inspector III Assignment: Fire Station One Date: 05/31/2024 On May 31, 2024 I was requested by SLOFD Battalion Chief Ray HAIS to respond to a residential structure fire, located at 1417 Carmel Street. Prior to my arrival, I updated the San Luis Obispo Emergency Communications Center (SLOECC) via radio that I would be responding the incident and arrived on scene at approximately 15:00 hours. Upon my arrival, I contacted the incident command post (Carmel Command) to check in with Battalion Chief Ray HAIS. HAIS directed me to the east facing side of the property where SLOFD Captain Nick HOOVER and crew were in the process of rolling up a hose line from SLOFD Engine 4. A dispensed water can was found partially dispensed on the sidewalk just outside of the residence. See supplemental fire reports from SLOFD personnel. SLOPD Detective Jeff KOZNEK was also on scene at the time of my arrival and appeared to be speaking with HOOVER. I then spoke with HOOVER who provided me with a verbal update regarding the fire suppression operations which had occurred prior to my arrival on scene. He also informed me that a neighbor , had previously attempted to extinguish the fire with two portable fire extinguishers prior to the arrival of SLOFD Engine 4 at the fire scene. See supplemental reports from SLOFD personnel. While obtaining an update from HOOVER, I was informed by KOZNEK that SLOPD staff had previously spoken with prior to my arrival and that they had obtained his contact information and initial witness statements. See supplemental reports from SLOPD personnel. A Page 11 of 13 Following the update provided by HOOVER, I then advised KOZNEK that I was going to grab some additional investigation equipment from my work vehicle and asked if he would assist me with the investigation of the fire scene to which he agreed to provide additional assistance. Since it was previously identified that (the current tenant) was not at the property when the investigation had started, it was my recommendation to both KOZNEK and Hoover to begin with initial photographic documentation of the fire scene and obtaining additional witness statements from Once these two items have been completed, then the fire scene could be further excavated inside the area of fire origin and overhaul operations completed by HOOVER and his assigned crew. During documentation of the fire scene, , the property owner arrived at the residence. She confirmed that was currently not at the residence but that he would be arriving in appropriately 15-20 minutes from Pismo Beach. During the initial phase of the investigation, a dryer vent was identified by HOOVER in the upper northeast corner of the exterior wall above where the fire was believed to have started. See photographic report. Based upon this condition, I asked if we could have access into the unit to look at the interior dryer unit. She provided both verbal and written consent to enter the dwelling unit to search the laundry closet and what was later determined to be a bathroom directly inside where the dryer exhaust vent exited the building. After speaking with KOZNEK and I returned over to the northeast corner of the building to document and excavate the fire scene. Moderate heat damage to the exterior stucco of the building and the adjacent water heater closet door were observed inside the area believed by HOOVER, KOZNEK and I to be the general area of fire origin. This area was measured prior to excavation and was approximately 3ft.X 3ft. in diameter and approximately 8ft. in height. See full fire investigation report. Once photographed, measurements of the fire scene were also taken prior to excavation of a debris pile inside the area of fire origin. Both the exterior and the interior door and walls of the mechanical equipment (water heater) closet were photographed to evaluate the fire and ventilation patterns post fire. Once the fire scene had been documented and fire patterns analyzed to establish the area of fire origin, KOZNEK and I began excavation of the fire scene. Several items were identified inside the area of fire origin which were further confirmed by upon his arrival: a portable air conditioning unit, a partially melted plastic tote (container), a partially melted rubber door mat, dead vegetation (leaves) and some carboard materials which were later identified to by to be some type of cardboard puzzle. Following examination of the fire scene, KOZNEK and I then conducted a brief interview with who had arrived on scene at approximately 15:55 hours. informed KOZNEK and I that he (and his family) were in the process of moving out of the residence and that he closed everything up the night prior and left around approximately 18:30 hours. He also mentioned that the day prior he had been doing some painting (staining) inside the residence to touch up some wood trim inside the kitchen area which needed repair. also mentioned that the portable air conditioning unit had been out of service for approximately 8 years. Note: During the investigation of the fire scene, this appliance was found unplugged and heavily damaged by the fire. As a result, investigation staff were unable to obtain a make or model of the appliance. Once that initial interview with was completed, KOZNEK and I requested to enter the unit to inspect the laundry closet and the bathroom area as previously requested. During inspection, the single station smoke alarm unit directly above the hallway soffit was found disconnected and lying on the kitchen counter. According to he was in the process of putting this device back in service prior to moving out of the dwelling unit. Both the washer and the dryer unit were found removed from the laundry room during inspection. According to a moving company had moved both appliances out of the residence approximately one week prior. Note: The dyer exhaust vent was not visible from inside the bathroom area. The vent was later identified to run approximately 12-15 ft. above the bathroom ceiling and further determined not to be associated with the fire cause since the appliance had been removed prior to the fire. Once the interior area(s) of the dwelling unit were inspected per the consent form, KOZNEK and I returned to the area of fire origin with We then asked to further identify some of the item(s) found in what we believed to be the area of fire origin. also provided a written statement regarding his recollection of the events leading up to when the fire was reported. See full fire investigation report. Following our interview with KOZNEK and I thanked him for both his cooperation and assistance in the initial investigation. As both KOZNEK and I were gathering up our investigation equipment, again returned to the fire scene. I spoke briefly with both and and informed them that City staff had completed their initial investigation of the fire scene and that the custody of the fire scene was returned to at approximately 16:34 hours. Prior to my departure from the fire scene, the main gas valve to the property was secured by since the water heater appliance was found partially damaged and the dwelling unit was vacant. Analysis & Conclusion Moderate heat damage to the exterior stucco of the building and the adjacent water heater closet door were observed inside the area believed to be the general area of fire origin. The water heater closet was found closed and unlocked during the investigation. Inside this mechanical closet, were two floor mounted water heater appliances. Per the signage on the water heater closest to the fire this appliance was installed sometime around 03/12/2010. Moderate heat damage was found on the thermostat of the water heater appliance directly interior to the lower door vent. Significant charring was also noted on the exterior of the door framing with some partially consumed vegetation (leaves) found on the floor of the water heater appliance. The gas line(s) to each appliance closest were found in the “on” position. Outside of the mechanical equipment closet and approximately 5-7 ft. west of the closet was some chemical storage which appeared to include paint cans and various solvents. These items were documented in the conditions found but further determined not to be associated with area of fire origin due to the distance from this location. Consequently, and based upon my experience and level of training the following items have been eliminated as potential ignition sources associated with the fire scene: The washer and dryer appliances were removed from the residence prior to the prior and thus a potential lint accumulation has been eliminated as an ignition source. Additionally, the portable air conditioning unit was found unplugged and per had been out of service for approximately eight years. Without further information regarding the make and model of this appliance (i.e. potential recall notifications or associated hazards) this appliance has also been eliminated as a potential fire cause. During initial excavation of the fire scene and after further interview with it was determined that no cigarettes or similar ignition sources were found on the property or inside the area of fire origin. Further, after excavation of the fire scene KOZNEK and I did not find any painting equipment (i.e. soiled rags or used paint brushes) inside the area of fire origin. At this present time the conditions noted during the investigation suggest that both the chemical storage and the previous painting / staining by were not associated with the cause of the fire. While the gas line to the water heater appliance was found in the “on” position, both the ventilation and fire patterns suggest that the fire began outside of the mechanical equipment closet. Consequently, both the age of the appliance and the dead vegetation (leaves) cannot be ruled out at this present time as being associated with the cause of the fire. Last, during the investigation it was brought to my attention by KOZNEK that SLOPD staff had previously interviewed several Page 12 of 13 neighbors and did not appear to report any recent unusual or suspicious activity around the property. Consequently, an open flame source (i.e. lighter) does not appear to have occurred but cannot at this point in the investigation be ruled out as a competent ignition source. Absent further evidence, this fire has been classified as an undetermined fire, most likely attributed to accidental conditions as previously reported above. Additional Narrative (#4 of 4 ): I have reviewed Captain Hoovers narrative and agree with his findings and summary of the incident. Chief Hais Apparatus Narrative for E3: getting to engine and donning ppe in parking lot of station 1 Page 13 of 13