Yosemite National Park (CA)
Firefighters Knock Down Blaze in Tecoya Apartments
On the evening of August 11th, dispatch received a 911 report of a structural fire at the Tecoya Apartments in Yosemite Valley. Engine 7 (operated by concessioner Delaware North Corporation) from Yosemite Valley was paged and soon arrived on scene. The company officer saw smoke issuing from the front door and window at the south end of the building. Initial attack was conducted by four firefighters who were able to knock down the blaze with only minimal usage of water and damage to the apartment. The fire was confined to the kitchen and living room, where there was almost a total loss of personal belongings. Only minor smoke damage was found in the remainder of the building and personal belongings were salvaged. One occupant suffered from minor smoke inhalation. NPS chief fire officers, firefighters and rangers from other areas of the park also responded to assist in the suppression effort. The fire was caused by the ignition of splattered grease from a pan of donuts that were being deep-fried on the stove. The building contains six apartments and is 3666 square feet in size. Damage was limited to approximately 450 square feet. The estimated current replacement value for the building is $1,501,296 and the fire damage is estimated at $75,000.