SOMERSET, Calif. —
Investigators are working to determine the cause of a fatal fire that burned in Somerset Wednesday morning as community members grapple with the loss of two lives.
Pioneer Fire Protection District Chief David Whitt told KCRA 3 that six people had been inside the home at the time of the fire: Two people were injured but were expected to be okay, two people escaped unharmed and two people died.
Whitt said two firefighters were also hurt. One firefighter, he said, fell and hurt his wrist. Another firefighter, he said, was burned trying to force entry into the home.
The identities and ages of the victims have not been released as of Thursday evening.
“I’m still a little emotion struck,” said Steven Bartholomew, a neighbor. “Every time I talk about it, I just want to cry.”
Bartholomew said he woke up to people screaming to call the fire department Wednesday morning.
“I heard all this commotion,” he said “I looked out my door window and all I seen was flames. I mean, that whole house was engulfed.”
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s office knows people are concerned and are anxious for more information but asked for patience as they investigate the fire.
“I understand that people want to know as soon as possible. However, there are investigative processes that the sheriff’s office has to do to ensure that that right, accurate information is given out,” said Sgt. Kyle Parker, a spokesperson for the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.
Parker and Whitt urged El Dorado County community members to check their smoke alarms. It’s unclear at this point if the home had them.
https://www.kcra.com/article/somerset-fire-mobile-home-park-community-reacts/63326326
