From Mariposa County Fire Department

On Sunday, November 19, at about 12:16 a.m. Mariposa County Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 2736 Paso Pass road. When fire units arrived they found that the roof was on fire.  With an aggressive interior fire attack and salvage efforts firefighters were able to hold the fire to the roof and ceiling areas of the 1986 manufactured home and save most of the home’s contents.

The homeowners, John and Gail Gowen, said that they were awoken by their smoke alarm just after midnight to find the living room full of smoke and fire around the flue. Gail Gowen called 911.

The preliminary cause of the fire is a problem with the wood stove flue. Damage estimate to the home is about $50,000 and $10,000 in contents. An estimate of $100,000 of contents was saved.  

Firefighters responded from the Mariposa County Fire companies of Lushmeadows, Bootjack, Mariposa P.U.D., and Ponderosa Basin. Along with the County Fire units mutual aid fire engines responded from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.  Mariposa County Sheriff Department deputies assisted with the fire operation.

This would be a good time to remind everyone to check their smoke detectors and have their flues inspected.