Fatal Mendocino County Structure Fire Kills ‘Non-Ambulatory’ Resident—Cause Under Investigation

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CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Alex Leonard, CAL FIRE Fire Captain Sean Davis and Ukiah Valley Fire Authority Battalion Chief Justin Buckingham discussing a plan of action on the fire investigation

CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Alex Leonard, CAL FIRE Fire Captain Sean Davis and Ukiah Valley Fire Authority Battalion Chief Justin Buckingham discussing a plan of action on the fire investigation. [Photo by Brandon Tripp Photography]

A residential structure fire on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, took the life of a Redwood Valley resident. Officials are still investigating what sparked the flames. 

Redwood Valley-Calpella Fire Chief Kerry Robinson told us the incident began around 3:40 p.m. with reports of black smoke emanating from a home on the first block of Colony Drive. Upon arrival, firefighters found a single-family, single-story, wood-construction home with “heavy fire coming out of the front of the house.”

CAL FIRE personnel extinguishing hot spots on the exterior of the structure

CAL FIRE personnel extinguishing hot spots on the exterior of the structure. [Photo by Brandon Tripp Photography]

Firefighters had been to the home on multiple occasions in recent months providing emergency medical care to a resident he described as a “non-ambulatory person.”

Knowing the resident could be within, Chief Robinson said crews worked quickly to conduct a primary search of the structure for any sign of life within.

Redwood Valley Calpella Lieutenant Jeremiah Juszczak and Firefighter Jose Mendoza exit the structure

Redwood Valley Calpella Lieutenant Jeremiah Juszczak and Firefighter Jose Mendoza exit the structure. [Photo by Brandon Tripp Photography]

Meanwhile, Chief Robinson worked to delegate duties to the multitude of local agencies that arrived at the scene.

Less than 20 minutes after the initial dispatch was called, firefighters began their search of the residence. Sadly, these searches ended after the resident was found deceased. A coroner was requested to the scene.

Ukiah Valley Fire Authority Battalion Chief Justin Buckingham completing the fire investigation

Ukiah Valley Fire Authority Battalion Chief Justin Buckingham completing the fire investigation. [Photo by Brandon Tripp Photography]

Mendocino Sheriff Matt Kendall could not provide any information on the identity of the resident describing the death as still “under active investigation.” 

When asked what caused the fire, Chief Robinson said fire investigators were still working to determine the ignition course. Ukiah Valley Fire Authority Battalion Chief Justin Buckingham, Mendocino County’s resident fire investigator, is looking into the incident.

opland Fire Protection District Captain Cody Snodgrass and Ukiah Valley Fire Authority Captain Keith Quigley discussing an action plan while Ukiah Valley Firefighters Ben Paz and Tim Dresbach work on extinguishing hot spots in the background

Hopland Fire Protection District Captain Cody Snodgrass and Ukiah Valley Fire Authority Captain Keith Quigley discussing an action plan while Ukiah Valley Firefighters Ben Paz and Tim Dresbach work on extinguishing hot spots in the background. [Photo by Brandon Tripp Photography]

We asked Chief Robinson about the emotional toll of the fatal fire, on both him and those he leads. He described the fire as a “horrible incident”. He added, “Our primary goal is protecting life, and we did everything we could.”

After the flames were extinguished, he gathered up his firefighters at the scene to debrief and acknowledge the impact of the fatality. The morning after the fire Chief Robinson began the work to organize a formal after-action review where he and his crew can evaluate their work and reflect on the ordeal.

Ukiah Valley Firefighter Ben Paz extinguishing hot spots within the structure

Ukiah Valley Firefighter Ben Paz extinguishing hot spots within the structure. [Photo by Brandon Tripp Photography]

The tragedy was tempered for Chief Robinson with the sense of support and community he felt watching firefighters from neighboring communities converge on the incident to offer help. Ukiah Valley Fire Authority, Hopland Fire, Potter Valley Fire, Ridgewood Ranch Fire, and CAL FIRE answered the call for assistance. Chief Robinson said he was “super grateful.”

Hopland Fire Protection District Captain Cody Snodgrass sprays foam onto hot spots on the exterior of the structure

Hopland Fire Protection District Captain Cody Snodgrass sprays foam onto hot spots on the exterior of the structure. Photo by Brandon Tripp Photography]

Editor’s Note:

Countless Mendocino County residents rely on the swift action of our volunteer fire departments during fires, medical emergencies, traffic accidents, and more. They do that work with minimal funding. To support the essential work of the many volunteers that work with the Redwood Valley-Capella Fire Department, send a check to 8481 East Road, Redwood Valley, California 95470

Earlier: Fatal Fire Engulfing Structure in Mendocino County’s Redwood Valley This Afternoon

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Martin
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Martin
10 months ago

I am so very sorry that the non-ambulatory resident was killed in this fire. My sincere condolences to their family and friends. A heart felt thank you to the firefighters that worked that sad scene. Their job is never easy, and finding a deceased person only makes it worse. They tried their very best and it did not work. God bless them for being there and trying so damn hard to put the fire out. Hero’s one and all!

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