03/22/2011 – “C” Shift – Woods/Two Structure Fires

Incident # 11-01658 – Engine 5 responded to a yard debris fire that spread into a wooded area near 9890 Augusta Highway Tuesday afternoon 22-March at 13:29. On arrival, firefighters found a rapidly spreading woods fire that was driven by 10 to 15 mile per winds. Additional units were requested as well as a tractor from the Forestry Commission. The fire began crowning as it progressed through the woods, endangering several structures. A second Forestry tractor was assigned to the incident as fire apparatus positioned to protect the homes. No structures were damaged, but 15 acres of woods were burned. Units remained on the scene for 2 hours.

Engine 5, Engine 26, Tender 5, Battalion 1 and 2 Forestry Tractors responded. Firefighter-EMT-I Jordan Eaddy served as Incident Commander.

Incident # 11-01660 – A second woods fire was reported at 14:09 near the intersection of McLeod Road and Branch Road, but the caller advised no buildings were endangered.

Engine 19 arrived to find heavy smoke conditions and a rapidly moving woods fire also driven by moderate winds. Shortly after arriving, Engine 19 upgraded the incident to a structure fire advising a mobile home at 785 Branch Ave was on fire. Additional units were assigned to the incident. Visibility was difficult due to the heavy smoke, with near zero visibility as times. Crews forced entry into the building and pulled the ceiling in the living room. Fire had entered the void space between the ceiling and the roof through the ridge vent and was burning in both directions from the center of the singlewide mobile home. Firefighters covered the furnishings with salvage covers to protect the belongings. The bulk of the fire was quickly knocked down, however the insulation above the living area was smoldering with small fires over the kitchen and one bedroom. Additional salvage covers were brought in and the ceiling was pulled in approximately half of the trailer to reach the burning the insulation. The vinyl siding on the rear of the structure as well as the underpinning was burned away. The home was saved including all of the personal belongings inside the structure.

As additional fire units arrived, a second singlewide mobile home was found to have been destroyed. It was located behind the first trailer and had already collapsed with the entire metal roof on the ground. A camper located in the yard was also damaged, as well as personal property and a swimming pool. Smoke conditions were so bad, firefighters working on the exterior and in the woods had to wear SCBA. One Forestry Tractor responded. The fire started as a yard debris fire on the adjoining property off of McLeod Road, which burned approximately three acres. One civilian was treated by Firefighter-Paramedics for medical problems, then transported to Colleton Medical Center by Medic 9. One firefighter was also injured after falling into a hole in the back yard. He was treated at the scene.

Engine 4, Engine 19, Engine 26, Tender 5, Tender 19, Tender 26, Tender 27, Medic 9, Medic 19, Medic 26, Battalion 1, Car 12 and Car 116 responded. Battalion Chief Dan Barb served as Incident Commander.