A Reno woman with no working smoke detector in her home was fortunate to escape a Sunday afternoon fire unharmed, firefighters said.
The fire was the second reported in Washington County over the weekend. In both cases, electrical problems are suspected of sparking the fires. The other blaze was reported just before dawn Saturday at Riverview Financial Building, 201 Ayers Blvd., Belpre.
Reno Fire Chief Dan Ritchey said Sunday's fire at Southgate Trailer Park, 27400 State Route 7 lot 72, could have been much worse. The fire was contained to underneath the 12-foot by 60-foot mobile home.
"You don't have many trailer fires where you are able to save them," Ritchey said. "The guys did a good job of getting in there and getting the fire out quickly."
Firefighters ripped back the underpinning on the home to gain access to the fire, which had spread across most of the bottom of the home.
Ritchey said a section of electrical heat tape, which was used to keep water lines from freezing, had shorted out and caused nearby insulation to catch fire.
The owner of the home, Rachel Hill, 24, said she was sleeping when the fire started.
"I woke up and there was smoke everywhere," she said. "It was my worst nightmare."
The Saturday fire was reported at 6:55 a.m. after a motorist noticed smoke pouring from the Riverview Financial Building. The office is home to several businesses, including Joy Radio, Anderson's Accounting, Paul Khoury C.P.A and Rebecca Humphrey Massage Therapy.
Building owner Randy Williams said the fire caused significant damage to the rear of the building and extensive smoke damage throughout. He said efforts were being made to reopen as much of the building as soon as possible.
"We're trying to scramble and get as much done as we can to get things cleaned up and reopen," Williams said. "From what I can tell, the fire was up in the ceiling and the only thing up there was an electrical furnace and a light. I'm not sure exactly what started it."
Both fires have been ruled accidental.
Ritchey said he is concerned by the number of homes with no working smoke detectors. He said the department recently purchased several detectors to give away to people living in the Reno area.
- Anyone needing a smoke detector can contact Ritchey or Assistant Fire Chief Randy Lisk at 374-8335 or 376-9330.
