Fire destroys San Vicente home

A fire of still unknown cause destroyed the four-bedroom, semi-concrete house of postal employee and golfer Sonny Flores located in front of San Vicente Elementary School early yesterday morning.

Department of Public Safety investigators conduct their investigation into the fire that engulfed the house of postal employee Sonny Flores in San Vicente early yesterday morning. No one was reported injured in the blaze. (Ferdie de la Torre)

Flores and his wife Annie along with their two grandchildren, ages 11 and 13 years old, managed to run safely out from the house.

Department of Public Safety Fire Division spokesperson Jocelyn Alvarez said no persons were treated on scene for any medical complaints in relation to the fire.

“The cause of the fire is still under investigation,” Alvarez said, adding that fire investigators classified the extent of the damage as “a complete loss.”

Annie Flores said they were not able to get any of their appliances or valuables.

“I’m just glad that we all made it out. I’m just thankful to the Lord that we survived,” said Annie Flores in a phone interview with Saipan Tribune.

After the Flores couple was awakened by smoke in the house, they checked where the smoke came from, then they woke up their two grandchildren.

“I didn’t see any flames, but only smoke in the house,” Mrs. Flores said, adding that she went all the way to the kitchen to check, but that she cannot even see their refrigerator and freezer because of the smoke.

“So I just opened the door in the kitchen and went back and woke up the kids and we went out,” she said.

Mrs. Flores said it’s the first time a fire broke out at their house since they moved there 27 years ago.

She said fire investigators are still trying to figure out what caused the blaze.

Alvarez said information gathered showed that the occupants were awakened by heavy smoke and fire within the house, prompting them to contact DPS.

DPS Fire Division responded to the house, which is located along Isa Drive after receiving a call at 4am.

Alvarez said police and fire personnel were immediately dispatched to the area.

She said the first arriving units—Medic 5 and rescue unit, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield Explosives (CBRNE)—arrived at the scene at 4:07am.

Alvarez said fire engine 2 from Kagman Fire Station arrived at 4:15am and immediately initiated suppression efforts.

She said fire engine 1 from San Roque Fire Station came at 4:25am to assist engine 2 with water relay.

Alvarez said the fire was fully suppressed at 5:04am.

It is the first fire incident in the CNMI for 2015.