Hospital Lane structure fire remains under investigation
The cause of the Sunday, Dec. 13 structure fire on Hospital Lane remains under investigation Monday, according to a statement from the Susanville Fire Department, but was determined to be human caused.
“With no electrical power being present in the building, the fire was determined to be human-caused,” read the statement. “The origin of the fire remains under investigation.”
Crews were dispatched at about 6:15 a.m. Sunday to a reported structure fire on the 500 block on Hospital Lane in Susanville.
When Engine 621 arrived on scene, heavy fire was showing in the two-story commercial structure, the statement read, and the fire had self-vented through the roof of the structure, was well-established in the common attic, and was extending down the hall of the building.
The next engine at the scene was assigned to do a life safety search of the uninvolved portions of the structure to determine if anyone was inside as other apparatus arrived on scene, beginning the fire attack.
“Due to a reduced stability of the structure from the fire as well as years of deterioration, lack of maintenance, vandalism and homeless/ vagrant occupancy, it was determined that fire personnel would switch to defensive tactics, with a focus on protecting the surrounding areas,” read the statement. “Fire personnel were successful in their effort to contain the fire to the building of origin, which is deemed a complete loss.”
Agencies assisting the Susanville Fire Department include the Susanville Police Department, Susanville Public Works, the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, Cal Fire, CDCR, Susan River Fire Protection District and the Janesville Fire Protection District.
