Early in the morning on Sunday, December 8, 2024, a mobile home fire broke out in Edison, California, causing the death of two women.
The fire occurred around 3 am in the small community of Edison, just east of Bakersfield. The fire destroyed three mobile homes. According to neighbors, the fire appeared to originate from the middle trailer and then spread to the two other trailers on either side.
Neighbors told news crews that the fire spread quickly. The first trailer that burned was located right next to the electricity box, so the fire caused sparks and eventually left the mobile home park without electricity.
Ramon Jaracuaro, a neighbor who lives right in front of the mobile homes that burned told news crews that in the three years he has lived in the community it has only been inspected once.
Officials have not released further information on the fire at this time, and have yet to identify the two women who died in the fire.
What Makes Fires in Mobile Home Parks Dangerous
Fires in mobile homes and mobile home parks can be devastating due to the unique vulnerabilities of these structures. Mobile homes are often constructed with lightweight materials that burn more quickly than traditional homes. Additionally, they are usually built close together, which increases the likelihood of fires spreading rapidly from one home to the next, as seen in the tragic fire in Edison this past weekend.
Common causes that contribute to sparking fires in mobile homes and parks may include:
- Electrical issues: faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or aging electrical systems are common causes of mobile home fires. The proximity of electrical components to flammable material can quickly turn a small spark into a large fire.
- Heating equipment malfunctions: mobile homes often rely on space heaters, wood stoves, or older HVAC systems, which can malfunction or ignite nearby combustible materials.
- Neglected maintenance: lack of regular inspections and maintenance, such as checking for leaks in gas lines, or ensuring electrical systems are up to code, can increase fire risk in mobile home parks.
- And more
“The loss of life and homes in the incident that occurred in Edison on Sunday morning is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by fires in mobile home communities,” says managing partner Gerald Singleton, of Singleton Schreiber, “The families who lost their loved ones and homes deserve justice and could consider contacting experienced attorneys like us to learn more about their options in the aftermath of this devastating fire. We’ve helped guide numerous families through tragedies similar to this one.”
Legal Options Available to Victims Affected by Mobile Home Fires
Victims of mobile home fires and their families may have legal recourse to seek compensation for the losses they experienced due to the fire. Depending on the circumstances, potential claims may include:
- Negligence claims: if the fire was caused by improper maintenance, faulty wiring, or another preventable hazard, victims may file a negligence claim against the property owner, management company, or others responsible for the safety of the mobile home park.
- Wrongful death claims: families of individuals who lose their lives in mobile home fires may file wrongful death lawsuits to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and more.
If you have been affected by a mobile home fire or tragically lost a loved one in a mobile home fire, contact Singleton Schreiber to learn how we may be able to help. Call us today at (619) 771-3473 or email us at info@singletonschreiber.com to schedule your free initial consultation today.
