Mobile home fires in Chaparral leave destruction in their wake
LAS CRUCES - As the ashes of a half dozen mobile home trailers sit behind red caution tape, onlooking neighbors can only shake their heads at the tragic fire that claimed the lives of several dogs and every earthy possession their fellow neighbors possessed.
At least six mobile homes were “a total loss in a fire in a mobile home park on Gala Way Lane in Chaparral Friday afternoon,” according to a news release from Doña Ana County.
“It was like seconds, that’s what it felt like to me, before I knew it, it was gone,” Kathy Johnson said about her trailer on Saturday. “I sat there and watched everything gone.”
No injuries were reported and families impacted are receiving help from the American Red Cross.
Two vehicles were also lost to the fire, before it was knocked down, which means the main body of the fire has been suppressed and it is no longer spreading. Firefighters remain on the scene to ensure hot spots are put out and clean up.
A call at 12:47 p.m. reported a fire seen in mobile home #1 on Gala Way Lane. The fire was under control by 3:07 p.m. Though the investigation continues, it seemed clear that stronger than 40 mile-an-hour winds spread the fire quickly to engulf the six mobile homes and other structures. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.