3 ALARM FIRE
Cause under
investigation
Damages San
Bernardino Office Complex
October 4th, Sunday afternoon San Bernardino County
Firefighters were dispatched to a reported commercial structure fire in the 100
block of East Hospitality Lane, San Bernardino. #SBCoFD Crews quickly arrived
on-scene to find a vegetation fire with an immediate exposure to multiple
large commercial occupancies.
Arriving firefighters initiated a fire attack, finding a wind-driven
fire that had spread to nearby palm trees and portions of the large two-story
office complex. Due to the threat a second alarm was quickly struck, bringing
additional firefighters and equipment to the scene. Despite the firefighter’s
best effort the wind-driven fire quickly spread to other nearby trees, an
outbuilding and the attic space of the 35,000 square foot office
building. Firefighters fought the fire from both the roof and interior of
the structure to attempt to keep the fire from spreading in the common
attic space. Fire Crews also completed primary search and evacuations of the
complex, ensuring all potential victims were evacuated from the
fast-moving fire.
Windy conditions continued to fuel the fire, challenging arriving
fire crews. Despite their best efforts, the fire continued to grow through
the large office complex. Structural integrity of the building became
compromised, causing firefighters to switch from an offensive posture, to a
defensive posture. Once safely exited, the fire crews utilized large volumes of
water to suppress the fire.
At the height of the fire more than 5,000 gallons per minute were
flowing into the building. The fire was brought under control within
approximately 90 minutes. The building sustained heavy fire damage. No injuries
were reported to both civilians and fire personnel. Multiple San Bernardino
County Fire Investigators responded and are working on a cause and origin
investigation.
Photos courtesy of SB County Fire Department
San Bernardino
County Fire responded with 11
Engines, 4 Truck Companies, 4 Chief Officers, 4 Fire Investigators and an
Air/Light unit. Colton and Loma Linda Fire Departments assisted. At the height
of the fire more than 60 firefighters worked to control the fire.