Firefighters battling a Kearny Mesa trailer fire on Tuesday discovered the burned remains of a man who was working on his motorcycle inside the trailer.
The fire was caused by “flammable vapors ignited by an ignition source,” said San Diego Fire and Rescue spokesman Maurice Luque.
Firefighters controlled the fire at Scripps Mesa Storage lot, which is located at 5784 Copley Drive.
The fire broke out at 10:40 a.m. in a 20-foot trailer used for ATV storage, Luque said. When fire crews arrived, the trailer was fully engulfed, as well as a nearby RV. The flames damaged a boat and another RV in the lot.
Firefighters extinguished the flames in five minutes. The lot manager who reported the fire told officials that the trailer's owner had checked in shortly before the fire and might still be inside.
When firefighters inspected the inside of the trailer, they found the man. Officials do not know if the fire caused his death or if he died prior to the flames.
Those nearby reported hearing explosions. Luque said propane tanks inside likely caused the explosions, if not the rubber wheels.
Local
The Metro Arson Strike Team, as well as the San Diego police, are currently investigating the scene. They estimate the fire caused $100,000 damage to contents and $200,000 in damage to the property nearby.
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