By Mila Besich Lira
Superior Sun
Superior Fire Department with assistance from the Queen Valley and Apache Junction Fire Departments fought a house fire at 104 W. Palo Verde on the evening of Sunday, January 5, 2014.
The fire began about 11 p.m. At the time, the home was unoccupied. Two dogs were on the property but were safely removed from the exterior of the home.
High winds during the night created much concern for neighboring homes. However crews were able to limit the fire to the residential structure.
The Superior Fire Department was able to contain the fire quickly. Queen Valley Fire Department is automatically dispatched to all structure fires in Superior as per an automatic aid agreement between the two fire departments. Apache Junction was called to the scene as a precaution because early reports of the fire indicated that the home may be occupied.
“Sound policy dictates that resources are requested before the situation gets out of control rather than waiting for conditions to worsen,” explained Superior Fire Chief Todd Pryor. “In this case, knock-down was achieved prior to their arrival, but the manpower to relieve tired firefighters was still welcome. They assisted with mop-up and overhaul of the fire.”
The Fire Marshal has conducted an investigation and determined that the cause of the fire was accidental. The fire burned through the roof and the interior walls of the home and it appears the home is a total loss.
Roy Chavez, the owner and occupant of the residence, expressed his gratitude to the first responders on the scene.
“Despite my loss, I want to commend the first responders who stopped any further damage in the neighborhood,” Chavez said. “I am thankful that no one was hurt during the fire.”
The fire took the majority of Chavez’s belongings with the exception of the clothes on his back, his dog and vehicle.