14/October/2013 – Structure Fire – “C” Shift

Incident # 13-05604 – A Ruffin family was displaced following a fire in their residence at 471 Paps Place off of Red Root Road, Monday morning 14-October at 00:54. Engine 18 arrived to find the one story wood frame structure approximately 65% involved, with flames through the roof on the south side of the building. All of the occupants had safely exited the building prior to Fire-Rescue’s arrival. Firefighters deployed two 1-3/4 handlines. A second alarm was issued shortly after arrival for additional Tenders and personnel. The home was located near the end of a ½ mile long, narrow dirt road, presenting some access problems for responding apparatus. Units staged ½ mile away on Red Root Road until the Tenders completed their dump and then rotated into the scene. Firefighters knocked down the bulk of the fire with 25 minutes, but were on the scene for four and half hours performing overhaul. They were able to stop the spread of the fire to the north end of the structure, however the remainder of the building suffered heavy heat, smoke and water damage. Water supply was conducted with a Tender Shuttle from a pressurized hydrant about 3 miles from the scene.

One of the occupants reported he was watching TV when he smelled smoke. Upon investigation he located a fire in the utility room, with flames already reaching the ceiling. He ran outside to retrieve a fire extinguisher from a vehicle, but when he returned the room was well involved. He got everyone else out of the home and they contacted 9-1-1. No one was injured during the fire. Fire Investigators determined the fire originated in the utility room near the area of the gas hot water heater. The Charleston Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting the family.

Engine 4, Engine 10, Engine 18, Engine 26, Engine 31, Tender 4, Tender 7, Tender 8, Tender 15, Tender 18, Tender  26, Tender 27, Tender 29, Medic 18, Medic 26, Battalion 1, Car 12, Car 111 and Car 118 responded. Engineer-Paramedic Roger Johnston served as Incident Commander.