A malfunctioning water heater inside a Riverside mobile home Thursday caused a major spill that left the entire residence uninhabitable, displacing the four occupants, none of whom were injured.
The flooding incident was reported about 1:05 p.m. at a mobile home park near the intersection of West La Cadena Drive and Center Street, according to the Riverside Fire Department.
“The hot water device had some kind of breakdown, and there was significant damage to the structure,” fire Capt. Brian Guzzetta told City News Service.
He said several engine crews were sent to the location, initially believing the heater had exploded, but there was no fire.
Water spread throughout the mobile home, going through the floor and compromising its integrity, according to reports from the scene.
A battalion chief red-tagged the property, declaring it unsafe and uninhabitable.
The three adults and one child residing at the location were permitted to remove belongings before leaving. Red Cross personnel were requested to assist them with finding temporary lodgings.
The cause of the heater malfunction was under investigation.
None of the neighboring properties were impacted.