01/24/2011 – “C” Shift – Woods/Structure Fire

Incident # 11-00459 – Firefighters responded to a rapid moving grass/woods fire that damaged several buildings Monday afternoon 24-January at 15:32. Callers to 9-1-1 reported a large woods/grass fire near the end of Durango Lane north of Cottageville. Engine 9 and Medic 9 arrived to find a fast moving, approximately four acre woods and grass fire that was being driven by moderate winds. Crews deployed several handlines to cut off the fire as it began to jump Durango Lane and then discovered several small structures were burning further down the road, with fire endangering six mobile homes. The incident was upgraded to a structural response and a Forestry Commission tractor was requested. The additional Fire-Rescue units were directed to various areas to contain the fire. Engine 9 remained at its original location to protect three mobile homes and to contain the northwestern advance of the fire. Engine 11, Tender 19 and Brush 2 were assigned to the northeastern side of the fire to cut off the spread, extinguish a storage building and protect a singlewide mobile home.

The fire had burned around and under the structure and destroyed several storage buildings and animal pins on the property. No animals were injured. Engine 19 and Tender 2 worked on the south side of the fire. Tender 27 provided water supply for Engine 9. The Forestry tractor cut a line around the perimeter. Fire-Rescue units were on the scene for three hours.

Engine 9, Engine 11, Engine 19, Tender 2, Tender 9, Tender 19, Tender 27, Brush 2, Medic 9, Medic 19, Battalion 1 and Car 12 responded. Battalion Chief Dan Barb served as Incident Commander.