Nov 21, 2007, #404, Residential Structure Fire

Dispatched at 01:33am for a Residential Structure Fire in East Hopewell Township, Box 54-10. Crews began responding at 01:35 with crews arriving on scene at 01:44.

Chief 54 responded and was advised by FF Street that there was a large glow in the area of the call. C54 immediately requested 3 additional tankers on the assignment. C54 arrived on scene to find a well involved 2 1/2 story home with no one home.

C54 requested that Engine 54-2 lay a 4" supply line down the driveway (900 feet). Engine 54-3 and Tanker 54-1 were ordered to follow down the driveway. C54 had Engine 54-4 establish a draft site at the pond on Pleasant Valley Rd and Edgar Woods Rd.

Chief 56 was assigned water supply operations. Chief 54-2 had fire ground operations.

Due to the fact that the house was already so consumed and in danger of collapse, crews initiated their attack using 3 2in hand lines and a 3in Blitzfire. The crews from Engine 45 and 56 assisted with the attack. 

The fire was under control at 02:54. PA State Police assisted with the investigation. Cause was unable to be determined due to the extensive damage caused by the fire before a call to 911 was made. The fire originated on the A/D side of the house. 

Mutual aid was provided by stations 34, 43, 45, 56, Baltimore County Tanker 450 and Harford County Tanker 1025. Station 61 (Shrewsbury) filled in for Eureka until we cleared the call. A total of 7 tankers were used on the call.

Units from Eureka included Engine 54-2, Engine 54-3, Truck 54, Engine 54-4, Tanker 54-1, Tanker 54-2, Brush 54-1, Ambulance 54-2. 22 members made the call.

 Pictures:

Top: A side of structure showing heavy damage. B/C sides held. A/D sides were burnt away.

Middle: The new Command 54 vehicle on it's first night of duty. What a way to go into service.

Bottom: Blitzfire on the left, hand line on the right attacking flames on the A/D side.

Copyright © 2006 Eureka Vol. Fire and Ambulance Co., Inc.