13/May/2015 – Structure Fire – “A” Shift

Incident # 15-02581 – At 17:41 Wednesday afternoon 13-May, 9-1-1 Operators began receiving multiple reports of heavy smoke in the 4700 block of Sniders Highway. One caller reported several vehicles on fire behind 4888 Sniders Highway. Responding personnel could see a thick column of black smoke four miles from the scene. Engine 19 arrived and was directed down a narrow dirt driveway and then across a field before reaching a path through a wooded area. Upon investigation, firefighters found a singlewide mobile home fully involved and an approximately 1 acre woods fire. A neighbor advised personnel the mobile home was used for storage. Approximately 20 old vehicles were also on the thickly wooded property. Most of the mobile home had already collapsed and was endangering a second trailer as well as numerous vehicles. Several stacks of stored materials and debris were also burning. The incident was upgraded to a structural response as firefighters deployed two 1-3/4 handlines and a booster line to combat the structure fire, woods fire and protect the exposures. A tractor from the Forestry Commission was requested and Tenders provided water supply. Firefighters had the fire under control within 20 minutes, but were on the scene for 1-1/2 hours.

The mobile home and its contents were completely destroyed, as well as several piles of stored materials. Crews stopped the fire from damaging the second trailer and the vehicles. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Engine 19, Engine 26, Tender 1, Tender 4, Tender 26, Medic 1, Battalion 1, Car 12 and Car 105 responded. Battalion Chief Dan Barb served as Incident Commander.  

Photos by Harold Buzzell