News

Working House Fire - 516 Red Maple Rd., Willowwood
Thursday, January 7, 2016

At 0622 hours, Station 44, Station 45, Ambulance 64, and KM-6 were dispatched to a fire in the area of 416 Red Maple Rd., in the Willowwood Development. Engine 44-2 responded under the command of 44-18 (Pierson Jr.). While en-route, 44-2 was given additional information that there was fire showing from the basement. 44-2 arrived to a single-story house at the correct address of 516 Red Maple Rd and began to place lines in service. The first line proceeded to the rear of the structure and made entry to the basement through the bilco doors and encountered heavy fire conditions, while Quint 45 made forcible entry to the front door and found heavy smoke conditions upon entry. Second and third lines were placed in service at the front door and through the garage. Ladder 44 set ground ladders and made vertical ventilation on the roof. 44-3 provided water supply to 44-2 from the hydrant, and Rescue 44 & E45-3 assisted with manpower. As the basement division was operating, they discovered a partial collapse of the first floor with the TIC and an orderly evacuation of division 1 was executed until visibility improved. Crews continued to operate in the basement and after ventilation was performed and visibility became better, searches and overhaul were completed. The fire had burnt an approximately 15 X 8 hole in the floor extending from the C side to the A side in the kitchen area. The scene was turned over to the Delaware State Fire Marshall's Office for investigation. 1st Asst. Chief Dave Neeld had Red Maple Command. While operating at the scene, crews from 45-3 en-route to the scene also handled a MVC on DuPont Highway at Big Oak Rd. Thank you to Volunteer Hose Company for providing an engine cover to Sta. 44 during the incident.