Yermo fire guts home

YERMO • A home in Yermo burned to the ground Sunday afternoon and two firefighters were injured while working to put the fire out.

The owner of the home — on the 34400 block of Yermo Road — called 911 to report smoke and flames coming from inside his home at approximately 11:55 a.m. Sunday.

The first unit to respond was the MCLB Fire Department, followed by the Yermo Fire Department, according to Bob Smith, fire chief at Yermo Fire Department.

Approximately 30 firefighters were on scene while the home became completely engulfed in the flames. Mutual aid from Barstow Fire Department, Daggett Fire Department, and the MCLB Fire Department were also on the scene. Resources were also used from San Bernardino County Fire Departments of Hinkley and Harvard.

The owner of the home informed firefighters that there were several items that could cause explosions inside his home, such as ammunition rounds, oxygen bottles, natural gas containers, and several surplus military supplies.

Smith said that the items caused explosions, which led to one firefighter being hit in his cheek by the ricochet of the ammunition rounds, but it did not break his skin. Another firefighter was hit in the helmet by unknown metal object. Neither firefighter sought medical attention.

No other injuries were reported from the residents.

One very large caliber artillery round that was not fireable was found at the home and was turned over to Barstow Sherriff’s Bomb Squad, according to Smith. All the items were legally owned, according to Smith.

There was no suspicion of arson. Smith said that the owner was pretty confident it was an electrical short.

Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4126