News

House fire with smoke showing - 105 W. South St.
Thursday, August 9, 2007

On Aug. 9th @ 0640, Station 44 was dispatched to 105 W. South St. for a reported working house fire. Engine 44-2 under the command of Chief Embert was 10-2 within minutes of the dispatch and found a 2 1/2 story single family dwelling with smoke showing from the attic area. 44-19, Capt. Hankins was already on scene, and advised 44-15 of heavy smoke conditions in the attic area, and that all occupants were out. Crews entered the residence and encountered thick smoke in the attic area, but found no visible fire. After horizontal ventilation was performed crews were able to find that the fire was burning between the ceiling and roof. Crews from L-44 and R-44 were then directed to ventilate the roof. After numerous holes were cut in the roof, crews were able to access the fire, but had difficulty in getting to it all due to the numerous layers of roofing materials. The approx. 100 year old house had 2 layers of cedar shingle, numerous layers of plywood, and approximately 6 layers of shingles. The fire was burning in between the layers hampering extinguishment efforts. After extensive overhaul all the fire was extinguished, Chief Embert placed the scene 10-1 @ 0839, all units working. One firefighter was transported to KGH by A-64 with heat related injuries. Sta. 44 had 5 units on scene, for 2 hrs. & 43 minutes, and had 43 members respond. Units were also assisted by R-45 for manpower, and Eng. 27-3(Middletown) for a 10-12, A-64, FM-19, Smyrna PD, and Town of Smyrna representatives OIC was Chief John L. Embert III.