SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA – San Bernardino County Fire was dispatched to a small vegetation fire in the 600 block of North H Street in the city of San Bernardino. Callers stated a single palm tree was burning. While enroute, firefighters were advised that the roof of an adjacent motel was now possibly involved. The incident was immediately upgraded to a commercial structure response.
The first arriving engine company described accumulated vegetation burning on the roof of a two-story, multi-unit motel. Making entry into an upstairs room below the area of involvement, firefighters inspected the attic and discovered an established fire running through the attic above the motel rooms. Crews immediately effected evacuations of the entire motel while beginning a coordinated attack from the roof and interior units to limit the spread of the fire.
The incident was upgraded to a 2nd-alarm response with eleven engines, three truck companies, two squads, one ambulance and three chief officers assigned. The fire was declared under control 50 minutes after arrival with firefighters saving a significant portion of the motel.
Damage includes seven rooms and one storage unit on the second floor and six rooms plus two utility rooms on the first floor. No civilians reported any injuries during the evacuation effort. One firefighter was treated and transported for evaluation of a minor injury. During the incident an additional medical aid unrelated to the fire occurred at a nearby residence and was handled by firefighter/paramedics assigned to the motel response.
Investigators with County Fire’s Office of the Fire Marshal are currently on scene. The investigation is ongoing.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 22, 2024 2:25pm
Location: 600 block North H Street San Bernardino
Incident: Commercial Structure Fire (BDC#: 24-209650)
Contact: Eric Sherwin, Public Information Officer (909) 547-5080
