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