Structure Fire on Mother's Day |
| By Captain Christopher Harris | |
| May 11, 2014 | |
| Box 8-10. At 05:32 hours, Stations 8, 10, 5, 3, Frederick County Tanker 9 and Frederick County Quint 11 were dispatched for a "Dryer Fire w/Extension" at 54 Hoff Road. On response, 'Carroll' advised the caller reported a fire in a dryer that was now extending throughout the structure. Engine 81 and Engine 101 arrived with Engine 81(Captain Harris) reporting fire showing from the Side Alpha door of a single story structure. Captain 8 established "Hoff Road Command" and began assigning personnel to tasks. Engine 81's crew stretched an 1 3/4" preconnect to the front door and made entry while Engine 101's crew began horizontal ventilation. Assistant Chief 10-1(Welker) was assigned "Fire Attack" and as they entered the structure, crews split into teams to conduct a primary search for fire (residence had self evacuated prior to our arrival) while the hoseline was advanced to the seat of the fire located in a bathroom/laundry room on Side Charlie. A second 1 3/4" preconnect (back-up line) was also placed in-service. Within 5 minutes, the fire was "knocked down" but crews had not completed the task of checking for extension in the walls or attic. Other crews from Rescue Squad 8, Engine/Tanker 82 and Ladder 5 were assigned to securing utilities and additional ventilation. Ladder 5 was sent in to assisted interior crews with access into the attic area through the ceiling which was all 1/2" plywood. Chainsaws were needed to cut through to the attic. No fire was found in the attic space. The fire was placed under control at 06:06 hours. Positive pressure ventilation was also used to reduce smoke and carbon monoxide levels. Engine 33's crew finished up overhaul and with the use of a thermal imaging camera, the overhaul of walls and visual inspection, "Command" began releasing units that were not being used. Crews also removed the dryer, which was the origin of the fire. "Water Supply" had been secured by Brush 105 at Route 75 and McKinstry's Mill Road, but was not needed. Less than 1500 gallons of water was used during the incident. The entire interior of the house was damaged by fire, heat, smoke and water; leaving the structure untenable. The last unit cleared the scene at 07:19 hours. Frederick County Quint 11 was released early from the scene and transferred to Station 8 for the duration of the incident, while an engine from Station 14 (Winfield) transferred to Station 10 (New Windsor). There were no injuries reported during the incident. |
|
| Units: | E-81, RS-8, E/T-82, M-89, U-8 |
| Mutual Aid: | E-101, B-105, E-102 (New Windsor), L-5 (Taneytown), E-33 (Westminster), FCTa-9 (New Midway), FCQt-11 (Walkersville) |