Abandoned downtown home burns
Cause under investigation; building was thought to be 100 years old
What was thought to be a more than century-old abandoned home in downtown Yuma caught fire late Tuesday night, and the cause is now under investigation, according to a Yuma Fire Department spokesperson.
Mike Erfert said the home, located in the 400 block of Main Street, was believed to have been constructed in 1900 and was a total loss.
Initially, the fire was reported just before 10 p.m. to be in the 300 block of Main Street, which Erfert said turned out to be a wrong address.
However, once firefighters arrived on scene they found heavy smoke and flames coming from a twostory residence at 441 S. Main St.
“Both stories were on fire with flames coming through the roof of the building,” Erfert said.
Firefighters worked to contain and extinguish the fire, with fire crews remaining on the scene through the night and into the following day on “fire watch” dealing with hot spots and flare-ups, according to Erfert.
There were no known injuries.
The building was vacant, however, Erfert said trespassers had been removed from the property earlier in the week.
The Yuma Fire Department would like to remind city residents that they can help the police and fire departments by reporting suspicious individuals and circumstances.
Be aware of anyone hanging around vacant building — or acting like they are trying to hide from view — or in business areas or parks after hours, especially late at night.
Reporting this type of suspicious activity to the police immediately can prevent crimes and even save lives.
Anyone with any information about arson crimes can contact the police department, or information can also be provided anonymously through the Silent Witness tip line at 78-CRIME (782-7463).