Fast-Moving Blaze Destroys Mobile Home In Cocoa
By Space Coast Daily // June 21, 2012
Dog Perishes, Residents Survive
BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – Residents were forced to flee as a fast-moving blaze destroyed a double-wide mobile home in Cocoa early this mroning.
Lt. Jeff Taylor of Brevard County Fire Rescue said firefighters were called to a structure fire at 6970 Aster Drive in Cocoa at 6:09 a.m. today.
At the scene, Taylor said crews arrived to find a double-wide mobile home with heavy fire extending from the roof into overhanging trees.
Firefighters estimate that the home was 70 percent involved upon their arrival.
Taylor said crews quickly deployed two hand lines and began defensive firefighting operations and were able to achieve initial knockdown on the fire in under 30 minutes.
One area of issue for firefighters was the addition of a traditional pitched roof over the mobile-home, built as an add-on for additional protection from the elements.
The retro-fit roof provided a void space for concealed fire spread that was difficult to access, Taylor said.
Firefighters were sent to the roof to cut inspection holes to locate hidden fire not visible from the ground.
The home was occupied by three adults and two children who will be displaced as a result of the fire.
One resident was evaluated for smoke inhalation but was not transported.
Taylor said all five residents were able to exit the home safely, however the family’s dog was found deceased during the overhaul operations.
It is unclear if the home is insured. American Red Cross assistance has been requested.
Taylor said the cause of the fire is undetermined.
A fire investigator from the State Fire Marshal’s Office will conduct an investigation.
Crews remain at the scene to perform extensive salvage and overhaul operations.
