Fire Crews Respond to Structure Fire

REDLANDS>> Redlands Fire Department crews responded to a structure fire Sept. 12 in the 200 block of East High Avenue. The fire was reported at about 2:30 a.m. Upon arrival, crews found cars, a boat and significant debris in the rear of the structure fully involved in fire. Before crews were able to engage the fire, it spread to the nearby vacant residence. Crews hampered by hoarding conditions in and around the structure were unable to gain access to the structure through windows or other conventional means to apply suppression efforts. Due to the safety concerns from the hoarding conditions and downed power lines, firefighters allowed the fire to burn portions of the structure until it could be safely suppressed. The fire was brought under control in about 45 minutes, but due to hoarding conditions, firefighters remained on scene until city crews using heavy equipment could pull the debris apart, allowing remaining hot spots to be extinguished. One firefighter was treated and later released from the hospital for injuries sustained during the firefighting effort. Damage to property and contents is estimated at $200,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation.