Trailer fire in Genelle not suspicious
By Kyra Hoggan
A trailer fire in Whispering Pines Mobile Home Park in Genelle yesterday has left roughly $180,000 damage and a family without one of their pets.
Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue Cpt. Greg Ferraby said the call came in 1:47 p.m., and crews arrived on scene at 2:03 p.m. to 500 16 Avenue, where they found the fire already fully involved. Thirteen firefighters from Trail company and one from Genelle managed to keep the blaze in check, though, preventing it from leaping to other structures in the park (the only damage to other buildings was melted siding on a nearby shed).
Witnesses report that the couple inside the mobile home were rescued by two male park residents who risked the flames to help bring the older couple to safety.
“Apparently they hadn’t lived there very long,” said neighbour Linnett Schmuland. “Two guys ran right in and saved them, but they lost one of their dogs.”
Ferraby said the couple were transported to hospital with minor injuries, but, “They’re both fine, I talked to them today.”
Ferraby said he’s completed his investigation, but the insurance company will be sending out a private investigator tomorrow, at which point they be able to release information as to the cause of the fire.
Ferraby said they are not, in any way, considering the fire suspicious.
