Duplex fire

Comment

Comment by Ian Bruzenak on February 13, 2010 at 5:57am

On Monday afternoon February 8th Stratmoor Hills FD responded to a reported structure fire. Crews arrived on scene to a single story duplex with fire from the rear of one unit. It was determined that an advanced fire was in the attached garage and was blowing from a rear door left open with exposure to the eves and roof. Both units were charged with smoke with some fire extension into the living space of the fire unit. E410 (crew of 3 including Chief 400) and E412 (crew of 2) established command and were assigned to fire attack with a line interior and a second line to the garage exterior, opening up the garage (picture #1 just after opening garage), Water supply and vertical vent. Next in unit R425 (crew of 3) arrived and was assigned to primary search. Mutual aid was requested during the initial size up and an engine and truck responded from a neighboring department and was assigned to man a backup line and overhaul. The fire was knocked down, vertical vent and primary search was completed in less than 10 minutes after arrival of initial units. A snow storm slowed response times and hindered operations on scene. The lack of dry wall in the ceiling and back wall of the garage contributed to the advanced fire spread into the roof as did a venting propane tank. A dog and a cat were removed from the units and returned to owners.