CLEARLAKE — An occupant of a single-wide mobile home was killed in a fire at the residence early Wednesday morning. According to Lake County Sheriff Captain Jim Bauman, the victim was identified at the scene by Clearlake Police and Sheriff Coroners as Janet Lynn Barber, 45.
Clearlake Police Chief Allan McClain said that Lake County Fire Arson Team responded to investigate the fire. “The fire was determined to be accidental in nature, possibly from the victim smoking in bed. The fire was enhanced by the victim”s oxygen machine, which was located near her bed,” McClain said. “According to a witness, the victim was attempting to put the fire out herself and was not able to get out of the residence.”
Lake County Fire Protection District (LCFPD) was dispatched to Lakeside Resort Mobile Home Park on the 5700 block of Old Highway 53 at approximately 3:05 a.m. LCFPD Battalion Chief Willie Sapeta said that when the first unit arrived on scene at 3:14 a.m. the singlewide mobile home was fully involved presenting threats to adjacent residences.
“We were advised that there was a possible victim inside,” Sapeta said. “The fire was controlled at about 3:39 a.m. at which time we confirmed that there was a victim inside.”
Four engines, two medical units, two battalion chiefs, a rescue unit and about 25 personnel responded. Response included CALFIRE resources. Sapeta said units remained on scene throughout the night with the last unit released at 9:45 a.m.
Investigation of the fire was conducted jointly between CALFIRE and LCFPD Captain/Fire Investigator Brice Trask.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
