17/July/2013 – Structure Fire – “C” Shift

Incident # 13-03919 – A curious motorist discovered a house fire Thursday evening east of Cottageville. The woman was traveling on Cottageville Highway (US Hwy 17-A) when she saw a thick column of black smoke coming from a wooded area, well off of the highway. She found a narrow dirt driveway and drove into the woods only to be stopped by a locked metal gate. She had to walk the remainder of the way, but discovered a home fully involved. Fire-Rescue units were notified of the incident at 20:24, Thursday evening 17-July  and arrived eight minutes later. Firefighters used Holmatro Rescue Tools to cut the metal gate to gain access to the property. Engine 9 reported the single story, concrete block structure was fully involved. The roof had already burned completely away, except for a small portion over one room at the back of the house, indicating the fire had been burning for a long time before it was discovered. Firefighters deployed one 2-1/2 inch handline and two 1-3/4 handlines to combat the fire. Crews used a defensive attack until enough of the remaining contents was extinguished to enter the building.

Water supply was conducted with a Tender shuttle. Each Tender had to drive down the small driveway, then pump to Engine 9. There was not enough room for the use of a drop tank and no space for the Tenders to turn around. Once empty, they had to back out to the highway to allow another Tender to drive in and supply the Engine. A thunderstorm had moved through the area about an hour prior to the fire being reported. Fire investigators believe lightning was the culprit which heavily damaged the incoming service line and electrical panel. Several outlets and wiring in the home were melted. Crews were on the scene for over four hours.

Engine 9, Engine 11, Tender 2, Tender 9, Tender 19, Tender 27, Tender 903, Medic 1, Medic 9, Battalion 1 and Car 118 responded. Battalion Chief Ben Heape served as Incident Commander.