LAKEPORT >> In the rainy darkness that began Friday morning, the cars, weight machines, books and clothes in M&M mini storage units weren”t gathering dust but fueling flames. Somewhere in the middle of the rows of units, a fire was sparked that charred most of the odds and ends, keepsakes and valuables into unrecognizable soot within a couple of hours.
A call to Lakeport Fire Department at 4:35 a.m. reporting what sounded like an explosion brought the bad news; Lakeport Fire quickly responded with two engines and a ladder truck, followed by assistance from Northshore and Kelseyville Fire. Deck guns, pumping 1,000 gallons a minute, were aimed at the fire”s center and hose lines were run to stop the flames from spreading.
Firefighters attacking the fire”s flanks worked to get ahead of its path and others used circular saws to cut through the metal unit doors and gain access to the insides.
“It took 45 minutes to stop its forward progress and another hour to put it entirely under control,” Lakeport Fire Chief Doug Hutchison said.
Out of the 80 units, at least 30 were affected. Units on the ends survived thanks to the firefighter”s diligence.
“I”ve had people complaining about why it took the firefighters so long to put the fire out, but these guys were amazing; they worked as quickly as they could,” M&M owner John Marino said.
Marino”s voice was strongest in praising the firefighters but as he talked about his 82 tenants his voice trembled.
“All I can say is I”m heartbroken for all my tenants,” he said.
Marino built the storage facility from the ground up nine years ago and said he knew each of his tenants personally. Luckily he has insurance and his intention is to rebuild the facility.
For now though, the charred remains of his tenants belongings are cooling in the rain and aside from the units at either end, there”s hardly anything to be salvaged.
ServPro, a fire and water cleanup crew, arrived later to aid in mopping up and board up the remaining units. They will also be placing a fence around the facility”s perimeter.
A liquid the same color as radiator fluid spilling from one unit posed some concern early on until it was discovered to be fluid used in lifevests. With the facility sitting just across the street from the lake, the fluid is thankfully safe for the water as it”s used to alert emergency personnel of someone”s whereabouts in a water body, according to ServPro employee Justin Roumiguiere.
The cause of the fire is pending an investigation.
