02/24/2012 – Woods Fires – “C” shift     

High winds and dry conditions made conditions right for multiple woods fires throughout the County Friday afternoon, before heavy rains help douse the flames. Eight rapidly spreading fires were reported in a three hour period before the thunderstorms rolled through.

Incident # 12-01053 - The second response, but the largest fire, occurred near the intersection of McLeod Road at Interstate 95 at 13:35, after a tree was blown over, knocking down a power line. The county was experiencing 20 to 30 mile per hour winds ahead of an approaching storm system that later spawned a tornado on the western side of the county. The arching power line ignited dry grass on the edge of the road, which was quickly blown into a large field. The high winds caused the flames to jump McLeod Road in several places igniting woods on both sides of the highway. Multiple homes were threatened as the fire began crowning, with 60 feet high flames rapidly sweeping through the woods. 

The first arriving fire engine requested additional fire apparatus and a Forestry Tractor. Deputy Chief David Greene arrived a short time later and took over as Incident Commander. A full structural assignment was added to the incident and a second Forestry Tractor was requested. Fire apparatus were positioned ahead of the fire near homes on Cory Lane and Brunson Lane as firefighters fought the quickly advancing woods fire with multiple handlines and deck guns. Remarkably the fire burned within just a few feet of two homes, but crews were able to keep the flames at bay. As the two Forestry tractors arrived, the wind shifted directions slowing the advancing fire for a short time. This allowed the tractors to cut several wide fire breaks ahead of the advancing flames. As the winds shifted a second time, the flames began burning in the direction of Maple Ridge Road. A second alarm was issued for additional apparatus and personnel. Due to the number of other fires and medical emergencies occurring throughout the county, a recall of off-duty personnel was initiated to staff additional fire apparatus and ambulances.

Visibility was zero due to the heavy smoke. Sheriff’s Deputies blocked access to the area closing McLeod Road between the Interstate and Pleasant Grove Road and Maple Ridge Road between Pleasant Grove and Weans Road for three hours while fire crews work to contain the fire.

At one point it was discussed to close Interstate 95 due to reduced visibility, but most of the smoke remained east of the highway. Apparatus was positioned at a dozen homes to protect them from the fire. The Forestry Commission assigned two additional tractors, a brush truck and a surveillance plane to the incident. The plane was a valuable asset, directing ground crews until thunderstorms forced it to return to the airport. Firefighters and Forestry crews worked for two and half hours until heavy rains began pounding the area. Thank God for the drenching rains which assisted in extinguishing the fires. Remarkably no homes were lost or damaged and no injuries were reported. Forestry estimates 82 acres were involved.

Engine 5, Engine 7, Engine 902, Engine 17, Engine 19, Engine 24, Engine 26, Engine 32, Tender 1, Tender 5, Tender 7, Tender 17, Tender 19, Tender 26, Tender 27, Brush 8, Brush 24, Medic 19, Medic 26, Car 12, Car 110, Car 111. The Forestry Commission responded with 4 Tractors, 1 Brush Truck, 1 plane and a supervisor. Deputy Chief David Greene, Battalion Chief Dan Barb and Fire Marshal Richard Sheffield operated the Command Post.

Incident # 12-01050 – 13:10 – Several acre brush fire in 2900 block of Red Oak Road – Engine 9, Engine 902, Tender 27, Tender 9, Medic 9 and a Forestry Tractor responded.

Incident # 12-01053 – 13:35 – 40 to 50 acre woods fire (see above)

Incident # 12 -01054 – 13:36 –Woods fire on Moselle Road near Cross Swamp Road. Engine 18 and Medic 18 responded.

Incident # 12-01060 – 14:12 – Woods fire on Cottageville Highway near Bedon Road. Engine 1 and Medic 19 responded.

Incident # 12-01061 – 14:22 – Woods fire at 3171 Hendersonville Hwy. Engine 8, Tender 1, Brush 6, Medic 6 and Forestry responded.

Incident # 12-01061 – 14:28 – Small woods fire at 2556 Mount Carmel Road. Engine 7 responded.

Incident # 12-01063 – 14:36 - Two acre woods fire in the 100 block of Fourth Street. Engine 1, Brush 24, Medic 9 and Medic 19 responded.

Incident # 12-01066 – 16:05 - Woods fire on Chisholm Road near Sidneys Road. Engine 9, Engine 11 and Medic 9 responded.