28/December/2013 – Structure Fire – “A” Shift

Incident # 13-07058 - A Rentz Drive home was heavily damaged by a mid-day fire Saturday, 28-December. At 14:18, Fire-Rescue was notified of smoke coming from the attic of a home at 355 Rentz Drive near the rural Hudson Mill Community. Engine 1 arrived six minutes later to find flames across the roof of the one story residential dwelling. Firefighters used a deck gun to knock down the heavy flames, then deployed multiple handlines to combat the fire. The roof collapsed shortly after fire units arrived. Crews had the fire under control in less than 30 minutes, but were on the scene for 2-1/2 hours. Water supply was conducted with a Tender Shuttle. Engine 26 set up drafting operations at a dry hydrant in a pond approximately one mile from the scene.

All of the occupants were able to safely exit the building when they discovered the fire. Most of the fire damage was isolated to the attic and roof, but the living area suffered water damage and drop down debris from the attic. Many personal items were salvageable, but the home suffered substantial damage. The origin of the fire appears to have been electrical in nature. The Charleston Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting the family.

Engine 1, Engine 26, Tender 1, Tender 4, Tender 8, Tender 15, Tender 26, Tender 27, Medic 1, Medic 26, Battalion 1 and Car 12 responded. Battalion Chief Brent Dalton served as Incident Commander.