News

Structure Fire with heavy fire showing - 331 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, DE
Thursday, November 15, 2012

At 0900 the CHC along with Amb. 64 were dispatched for a house fire at 331 W. Commerce St. B-64 arrived first and reported to Kent Center it was a working alarm with all subjects out of the house. E44-2 under command of 44-16(Hankins) responded within minutes and was on scene within 30 seconds. 44-16 reported heavy fire showing from the rear, and requested an Engine company assist from 45(Clayton). The house was a 3 story balloon construction house that was in the process of being remodled inside. The crew from 44-2 immediately split. Half the crew along with the crew from B-64 pulled a 5" supply line and established an immediate water supply to the hydrant across from the house. The other half pulled an 1 3/4" handline and proceeded to the house for fire attack. Due to the heavy fire from the rear and the direct impingment on the B exposure, the hoseline was initially pulled to the rear and a quick knockdown of the flames was performed. The crew then advanced the handline back to the front door, and into the house for an aggressive interior attack. Upon arrival of L44 its crew was also split with half placing L44 in service, and the other half placing a second handline in service into the front of the house, and securing the utilities to the structure. E44-3 was directed to the rear of the residence off of Mulberry St. to place a third handline in service and continue to attack the fire on the rear porch area and a car in the rear driveway. Upon arrival of Q45 its crew was assigned to place ground ladders on all 4 sides of the structure, and assist with interior ventiltion. E45-4 & R44 arrived soon after and were assigned to assist with overhaul and ventilation. The initial handline crews made an aggresive interior attack and were able to put a quick knockdown on the fire. The fire was mainly contained to the back porch, kitchen, hallway area, and rear exterior of the house. 44-16 placed the scene under control at 0949. Crews remained on scene performing extensive overhaul for another hour and a half, and assisting the DSFMO with thier investigation. Due to the age and numerous modification made to the house, the crews had a difficult overhaul process. The walls were made up of several layers of paneling, plaster, wood, and brick in areas, and the floors were made up of several layers of thick plywood and boards, almost 2-3 inches in some areas. Upon arrival of the initial crews, neighbors stated that there were 4 cats and 1 dog still inside the house. During the first several minutes of the fire, crews doing searches found the dog and 3 of the cats. All 3 cats were deceased, but the dog was in very critical condition and had agonal respirations. The crew from B-64 used the "animal O2 masks" from R44 and after about 20 minutes of continuous O2 therapy the dog became alert and his respiratory status improved. He was taken to a local vet by the owners, and eventually walked out of the vets office onder his own strength and is now doing fine. The fourth cat was eventually found deceased also. The scene was TOT the homeowners and FM 14 & 19 for further investigation. All 44 units were clear the scene and back in quarters by 1106. The CHC had 37 members in service for 2 hours and 6 minutes. Sta. 45 also had about 20 members on scene to assist. OIC was 1st Asst. Chief Isaac J. Hankins(44-16). Units on scene: E44-2, L44, E44-3, R44, 44-10, Q45, 45-4, U45, B64, FM 14,19,& 23, Smyrna & Clayton PD, Town of Smyrna Electric & Water Dept., Chesapeake Utilities, & Safe Haven Animal Shelter. Also thanks to Sta. 53 for providing an engine and crew for a stand-by and assisting with getting all our units back into service after the alarm.