01/01/2012 – Structure Fire – “C” Shift

Incident # 12-00021 – An early evening fire in a bedroom rapidly spread through a residential dwelling located at 667 Saxby Hill Road, Sunday 01-January at 18:06. The fire was originally spotted coming from under a bed located in a rear bedroom of the home. The occupants attempted to beat the fire out and then resorted to using a garden hose. As the fire grew, 9-1-1 was notified. Engine 6 arrived 9 minutes after the incident was dispatched to find the single story dwelling approximately 60 percent involved, with flames coming through the roof at the rear of the building.  Firefighters used several 1-3/4 and 2-1/2 handlines to combat the flames. A second alarm was issued shortly after arrival for additional personnel and water tankers. Two crews of the firefighters entered the burning building attempting to cut off the flames. The fire had extended into the open attic and spread throughout the attic space. The rear of the structure was heavily involved in fire, but the interior crews were making headway dousing the fire. As fire burst through the front eaves of the structure, the IC ordered the interior crews to be pulled out of the building for their safety.

 The fire was then fought from the ou tside until the flames in the attic were manageable. Crews then re-entered the building. Two bedrooms near the front of the structure were saved and contained many items that could be salvaged, however both suffered heat and smoke damage. The reminder of the home suffered extensive damage, with the family losing most of their belongings. Firefighters were on the scene for over six hours. No injuries were reported. The fire originated in a rear bedroom and it was determined to have started under a bed as the result of a child playing with fireworks indoors. The home originally was a wood frame building that had been remodeled with a block exterior added around the older wood structure.

Engine 6, Engine 22, Engine 32, Tender 1, Tender 2, Tender 6, Tender 8, Tender 19, Tender 22, Tender 27, Medic 6, Medic 1, Battalion 1, Car 12 and Car 118 responded. Battalion Chief Dan Barb served as Incident Commander.