News

Marsh/Woods Fire - a/o 7141 Woodland Beach Rd., State Boat Ramp
Monday, March 12, 2012

At 1556, Citizens' Hose Company was dispatched for a marsh/woods fire on Woodland Beach Road in the area of the state boat ramp. Units went responding within 2 minutes of dispatch and arrived on scene at 1608. First arriving crews found a large area of marsh involved that had spread into the nearby woods. 44-16 (Hankins) had command and asked for an additional brush unit and engine out of Station 53 (Leipsic). Upon arrival of first arriving units the fire had got into a large section of dry frag and grass, causing the windswept flames to be higher than the power lines at times. The deck gun from 44-4 was deployed in order to knock down the bulk of the rapidly advancing fire. At the same time, crews on foot went out into the marsh and woods with forestry handtools, chainsaws, and indian tanks to attack the fire. Shortly after, Tanker 44 and 44-3 were also added for additional water and manpower. With winds steady at 20 mph, crews worked through the marsh and took down numerous large trees to stop the spread of the fire. With the large expanse of the fire area, Ranger 44 was requested to easily and more quickly access the far reaches of the fire zone. With crews rotating in and out, extra manpower was requested from Station 45 (Clayton) for a brush unit and manpower. At the same time Station 43 (Cheswold) was alerted for a cover-up at Station 44, and 45 was placed on dual response for all calls in the district. The scene was placed under control at 1705 with all units working. After mopping up hot spots deep in the woods, units were cleared at 1849.

Units responding: 44-0, 44-4, 44-3, Rescue 44, Tanker 44, 44-10 w/Ranger 44, 44-8, 53-0, 53-2, 45-1, 45-4 & 44 Fire Police

Citizens' Hose Company had 66 men in service for 3 hours and 6 minutes.

Thanks to all the assisting companies and personnel for thier help at both the scene, and in getting all the equipment back into service at the station.