Date/Time: 07/06/23, 2:17PM
Location: 16400 block of Merrill Ave, Fontana
Incident: Commercial Fire
Summary:
This afternoon San Bernardino County Fire crews were dispatched to a reported commercial fire in the 16400 block of Merrill Ave, Fontana. Multiple 911 callers stated a large outside fire.
Firefighters quickly arrived on scene to find a large exterior fire immediately threatening multiple commercial buildings. Due to the fire involvement and exposure potential, a second alarm was immediately struck.
Arriving personnel initiated an aggressive fire attack, working to suppress the fire & limit its spread to the nearby occupancies. Despite firefighters best efforts the fire worked its way into a metal commercial structure & additional commercial occupancy.
Crews worked diligently working to limit the spread through the occupied commercial building, doing business as an outlet sales company. Within twenty minutes of arrival the fire was knocked down. Firefighters were successful in limiting damage to the outlet store, saving a large quantity of goods. One metal structure & multiple outdoor items were destroyed by the fire. No injuries were reported to personnel or citizens were reported. A SBCOFD Excavator was requested to assist with the overhaul phase of the fire. Crews remained on scene for multiple hours working on overhaul. The fire remains under investigation by fire investigators.
While Fontana crews were committed to the incident several SBCoFD Engines were moved into area fire stations. This regionalized approach is paramount for uninterrupted Fire/EMS coverage.
San Bernardino County Fire responded with 8 Engines, two Truck Companies, two Medic Squads, three Chief Officers and two Fire Investigators.
