Faulty air conditioner likely cause of San Luis house fire
A malfunctioning air conditioner is being investigated as the cause of a house fire that left a South county family homeless on Saturday afternoon.
According to San Luis Fire Department spokesman Luis Cebreros, at about 5:35 p.m. firefighters were called to the 2400 block of E. Bermudez Street for a report of a residential fire.
“The 911 call was that the homeowners stated that a strong odor of something burning was coming from the air conditioning vents,” Cebreros said. “They also noticed smoke coming from the same vents.”
Several neighbors and arriving police officers also noted that the roof air conditioning unit had flames coming out of it and heavy black smoke was puffing out the attic vents.
Once on scene, San Luis firefighters made entry into the house, searching and clearing it of any victims or pets.
Cebreros said the fire was attacked from several directions to prevent it from spreading, but it had already been going for several minutes prior to their arrival, and had spread throughout the house using its own HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system.
Within 10 minutes the roof of the house started to cave in, forcing firefighters to evacuate and continue fighting the fire from outside the home until it was fully extinguished.
The Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department also sent a fire engine to help put the fire out. The home sustained major damage and the displaced family was assisted by the American Red Cross.
Preliminary investigation suggests the fire started due to a malfunctioning air conditioning unit. A full investigation is still underway.