Yesterday afternoon Dammeron Valley Fire & Rescue responded to a mutual aid request for assistance at the Lava Ridge Fire in the Red Cliffs Conservation Area. Fire Captains Don Wallace and Kyle Davis were deployed in Brush 13-3 and worked a fire line at the incident. They were released around midnight and were asked to return at 8am today.
While en route back to Dammeron Valley, and at approximately 12:34 am, they received a call for a structure fire on Main St. in Veyo. They were first to arrive and Captain Davis established Incident Command and began a fire attack. NWFSSD and Central Fire Chief Steve Haluska arrived and then assumed Command of the incident. Mutual and automatic aid was requested, with Veyo, Brookside, Central, Gunlock, Diamond Valley, Santa Clara/Ivins, and Forest and State Lands all sending units to fight the fire. Gold Cross ambulance and the Washington County Sheriffs office also responded. A total of 56 fire personnel responded, with Dammeron Valley sending a total of 6 firefighters. This is a great example of the cooperative teamwork enjoyed among the adjoining fire districts and departments.
The fast moving fire consumed an occupied mobile home, fifth wheel trailer, motorhome and other vehicles. The fire extended slightly to the east and started a 1.2 acre brush fire that was quickly extinguished by the crews on scene. Two civilians received minor thermal injuries and were treated and released by the DVF&R Rescue 13 crew. There were no firefighter injuries.
Remember, October is Fire Prevention Month and is always a good time to test and install new batteries in your smoke detectors. Feel free to stop by DVF&R station 13 if you need any help in doing so.