A Brookings man was transported to Brookings Health System for treatment of first degree burns to his back that were incurred while escaping from a burning mobile home. “This individual was minutes away from more serious injury or death,” stated Brookings Fire Chief Pete Bolzer. “A working, inexpensive, battery powered smoke alarm saved this man’s life.”
Brookings Fire Department units responded to the mobile home fire located at 521 12th Street South at 11:53 pm on December 21, 2021. “The first arriving unit reported that approximately 75% of the dwelling was involved with flames 30 feet high shooting through the roof,” Bolzer stated. An aggressive defensive fire attack limited damage to the structure of origin, which was a total loss. There was no damage to adjacent property. Three engines and 16 firefighters were on scene until 3:59 am.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The American Red Cross is assisting the victims of the fire. Also responding were the Brookings Police Department, Brookings Ambulance, Brookings Municipal Utilities, and Northwestern Energy.
