“B” Shift – Structure Fire

Run # 10-05633 – Stations 5, 19, 24, 26 and 27 responded to a two alarm structure fire at 1232 Burlington Road Wednesday evening 13-October at 2321. A motorist driving past the residence reported fire coming from the structure. Engine 19 arrived within minutes to find heavy smoke and fire conditions coming from the two story wood frame dwelling. Firefighters made an initial interior attack with an 1-3/4 handline, but had to evacuate the structure when the roof began to fail. Crews deployed two 1-3/4 handlines and one 2-1/2 handline to combat the fire. Trees in front of the building prevented the use of the deck gun. The front rooms contained two story vaulted ceilings. Crews worked for thirty minutes to knock down the fire, before they could reenter the structure. The remote area had no fire hydrants. Water supply was handled by a Tender Shuttle and drop tank. Tenders obtained water from a pressurized hydrant about 2 miles from the scene.

The fire appears to have been electrical in nature, starting on the second floor. The cause is still under investigation. One firefighter received minor injuries when he was struck in the head by a falling roof joist which was deflected by his helmet. No one was at home when the fire occurred. Crews were able to save several rooms, but the home suffered extensive damage. Units remained on scene for over five hours.  

Engine 1, Engine 19, Tender 5, Tender 19, Tender 24, Tender 26, Tender 27, Medic 1, Medic 19, Medic 26, Battalion 1, Car 11 and Car 17 responded. Battalion Chief Ben Heape served as Incident Commander.