Box 8-6. At 1620 hrs, Station's 8 and 5 were dispatched for Structure Alarm 8-2, with a report of a "Small Building Fire" in the area of 5400 Middleburg Road. The location was reported by a passer-by. As Station 8 units arrived in the area, nothing was found, but updated information from "Carroll", advised another passer-by indicated that the incident was in the 6400 block of Middleburg Road.
Rescue Squad 8 was first to arrive at 6410 Middleburg Road and found fire showing on the garage doors of a shop that was attached to a barn. The assignment was upgraded to Box Alarm 8-6. The crew from Rescue Squad 8 initially used a pressurized water extinguisher to slow the progression of fire until the first engine arrived. Chief 8-1 arrived and established "Middleburg Road Command".
Engine/Tanker 54 and Engine 81 arrived simultaneously and quickly stretched two (2) 1 3/4" preconnects from Engine/Tanker 54 to begin the fire attack while Rescue Squad 8's crew gained access into the shop and eventually into the open attic area of the structure. The fire was quickly contained to the front wall and doors of the building. Crews from Station's 8, 5 and 10 worked to overhaul the burned area to insure the fire was completely extinguished before all units went in-service.
The cause of the fire was determined to be an unattended burn barrel/pit located near the building. Embers from the barrel/pit that was located within 25 feet of the building, went in-between the front sliding doors and eventually ignited them. No one was home when the fire started. Damage to the building and contents were estimated to be around $15,000. There were no injuries.
Units:
E-81, RS-8, Chief 8-1, Safety 8, E/T-54, L-5, E-101, E-102, B-105, FC E/T-94, FC Chief 9, FC E/T-134
Box 8-6. "Command" placed the fire under control after about 45 minutes. The fire was "knocked" within 5 minutes after the arrival of the first units. Photo: Capt. C. Harris
Box 8-6. On arrival, fire appeared to be on the interior of the structure as well. Fire and water damage were limited to the front of the structure and contents located in that area. Photo: Capt. C. Harris
Box 8-6. Crews work to overhaul and complete extinguishment. The burn barrel/pit can be seen in the lower right side of the photo. Photo: Capt. C. Harris