December 25 - At approximately 1:10 p.m. Christmas Day, Firefighters responded to a two- alarm fire with possible victims trapped at the Sunnyslope Apartments, 6900 block of Mohawk Trail, in Yucca Valley.

Upon their arrival, flames and smoke were coming from the first and second floors of the complex. One occupant was found inside her apartment in a wheel chair and was assisted by county firefighters and deputies to safety.

The resident stated she was in her back bedroom sleeping and awoke to the room on fire. With help from a friend, the woman initially tried to extinguish the fire by pouring water from pots and pans on the flames. They quickly realized the extent of the fire and exited the structure.

No smoke detectors were activated during the fire; smoke detectors would have provided an earlier warning to the sleeping resident. Most fire deaths in the United States could be prevented from the use and proper maintenance of smoke detectors.

Eighteen firefighters responded to the fire and were able to bring the fire under control within an hour. The fire destroyed two apartment units and caused minor damage to two others, however no injuries were sustained and all occupants either escaped the blaze on their own or were rescued by firefighters. The American Red Cross responded to the incident and assisted approximately seven displaced residents with clothing, food, and shelter.

County Fire Investigators determined the fire was caused by a faulty electrical outlet.

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