02/04/2013, 1345 hrs.
House Fire
900 Block of North Fountain


E3, E1, R4, E1, L1, and C1 responded to a Box Alarm for a report of smoke and flames coming from the second floor windows of a structure. Central Dispatch advised the caller reported everyone was evacuating the structure. Smoke was visible from both Station 3 and 1. E3 arrived and found fire showing from one second floor window on the Delta side. C1 arrived, assumed Command and upgraded the incident to a Working Fire. A 360-degree pass around the structure revealed moderate smoke pushing from the eaves. There were conflicting reports about children inside, so L1 was assigned to conduct a primary search. In the meantime, E3’s crew stretched a 2” preconnect and made an initial hit on the fire from outside, including the soffit area. They then advanced up the interior stairs to continue the fire attack. The fire was quickly contained to the room of origin and extinguished. The primary search was all clear and it was confirmed that the children were next door. No extension was found in the attic, but overhaul revealed downward extension into the floor/ceiling space between the first and second floors. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

 

02/01/2013, 2102 hrs.
House Fire
1500 Block of North Water

 E3, E1, R4, E1, L1, BC2 and C1 responded to a Box Alarm for a reported fire in the living room. Central Dispatch advised they were getting reports of a fully involved structure, and BC2 upgraded the incident to a Working Fire. Upon arrival, E3 reported a single story ranch style residence approximately 25% involved. They had obvious fire in the living, in the Alpha-Delta corner, and significant smoke pushing from the eaves. E3’s crew advanced a 2” line to the front door, forced entry and immediately began knocking down the fire in this area. BC2 arrived and assumed Command, and stated smoke conditions worsened, indicating definite fire extension into the attic. Being informed that all residents were out of the house, Command concentrated on fire control. L1 was ordered to open the roof, while additional crews and lines were sent interior to support E3 in their efforts. The well-coordinated offense attack led to the fire being brought under control in about 20 minutes. Crews transitioned into the Overhaul Mode, and remained on scene for another hour, encountering bales of hay in the attic, used for insulation. The cause of the fire was determined to be a couch pushed up against the electric baseboard heater.

01/31/2013, 0930 hrs
House Fire
Mutual Aide to Scott City

E2 and BC3 responded to a mutual aid request by the Scott City Fire Department for a working fire in a single family wood frame dwelling. When E2 arrived, Scott City had made an initial knockdown of the fire, but smoke conditions obviously indicated that there was fire in the attic. Cape’s crew split, with two joining Scott City crews on the interior to pull ceilings and hit the fire; and, two going to the roof for vertical ventilation. The coordinated attack worked well, and the fire was controlled in about twenty minutes. Interior crews commented that it was obvious when the roof was opened up, as interior heat and smoke conditions lifted immediately. Interagency cooperation, quality training, and great execution of tactics and tasks by the firefighters on the scene were all evident at this incident