BEAVER DAM/LITTLEFIELD, Ariz. — The original Littlefield single-room school house was lost in a structure fire featuring multiple explosions that started in the early morning hours on Friday.
Beaver Dam/Littlefield Fire Department Chief Jeff Hunt said that unfortunately, the firefighters were unable to fight the fire within the structure due to the explosions inside the building.
“We were dispatched around 5:30 a.m. Arizona time to a single structure fire,” Hunt said. “We fought it for eight hours and then we had a whole lot of explosions in there.”
The owner, who was safe and on scene, reported there were multiple propane, acetylene and oxygen tanks inside the house. The structure had been converted into a home workshop for welding and mechanic work, Hunt said, including a motorcycle in the hallway.
“We had to back off and just let it burn,” Hunt said. “I went back last night to check on the house and I still had another explosion go off while I was there.”
It was reported by Hunt that a schoolhouse — built in 1901 — was part of the structures converted into a larger residential structure with the home built around a former schoolhouse. Some of the additions included a second floor upstairs and a small basement.
He said these additions along with the explosions made it impossible to fight the fire from inside, so they fought defensively outside of the structure to prevent the flames from spreading.
Hunt said the safety of the firefighters was of utmost importance due to the flammable materials present.
He also noted the building should not to be confused with what local residents call the “old schoolhouse,” located at about 138 S. Littlefield Lane.
“It is not what people call ‘the old schoolhouse,'” Hunt said. “It is across the street from what people call ‘the old schoolhouse.'”
Hunt said the building also housed a church at one time. Crews are currently monitoring the fire to make sure it does not flare up. The fire has been burning for more than one day and smoke is still visible, he added.
“It was crazy,” Hunt exclaimed. “I have been doing this since 1996 and this is the first time I have had that many explosions going off.”
Other responding agencies included Mesquite Fire and Rescue and Mohave County Sheriff’s Office. No injuries to civilians or emergency responders were reported.
This report is based on statements by emergency first responders and may not include the full scope of the findings.
Photo Gallery
A residence that houses the original Littlefield schoolhouse burned down with explosions, Littlefield, Ariz., Aug. 19, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Beaver Dam/Littlefield Fire District, St. George News
A residence that houses the original Littlefield schoolhouse burned down with explosions, Littlefield, Ariz., Aug. 19, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Beaver Dam/Littlefield Fire District, St. George News
A residence that houses the original Littlefield schoolhouse burned down with explosions, Littlefield, Ariz., Aug. 19, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Beaver Dam/Littlefield Fire District, St. George News
A residence that houses the original Littlefield schoolhouse burned down with explosions, Littlefield, Ariz., Aug. 19, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Beaver Dam/Littlefield Fire District, St. George News
A residence that houses the original Littlefield schoolhouse burned down with explosions, Littlefield, Ariz., Aug. 19, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Beaver Dam/Littlefield Fire District, St. George News
A residence that houses the original Littlefield schoolhouse burned down with explosions, Littlefield, Ariz., Aug. 19, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Beaver Dam/Littlefield Fire District, St. George News
A residence that houses the original littlefield schoolhouse burned down with explosions, Littlefield, Ariz., Aug. 19, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Beaver Dam/Littlefield Fire District, St. George News
A residence that houses the original littlefield schoolhouse burned down with explosions, Littlefield, Ariz., Aug. 19, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Beaver Dam/Littlefield Fire District, St. George News
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