News

House fire with heavy fire showing - 310 Willowwood Dr., Willowwood
Tuesday, November 19, 2013

At 0154 the CHC and Amb. 64 were dispatched for a reported working house fire at 310 Willowwood Drive. E44-2 under command of 44-15(Hankins) responded within minutes, followed by L44, 44-3, & R44. While en-route Kent Center advised unit that all occupants were out of the house and DSP was on scene confirming a working alarm. On arrival crews found a 2 story single family dwelling with heavy fire showing from the entire 2nd floor, and garage area with a full roof collapse. The crew from E-2 quickly hand stretched a 5” supply line to the nearby hydrant, and began pulling handlines. One 1¾” and one 1½” handline was initially pulled to start attacking the fire and to protect the B side exposure. The fire was being fueled by high winds blowing the fire and embers onto the B side exposure. On arrival L44’s crew split up and set up for master stream operations, secured utilities, and helped force entry into the house. Crews used a K-12 to gain access through the garage door to knock down the fully involved car inside along with the collapsed roofing materials. Crews from 44-3 and R44 assisted with hooking up a supply to L44 for the ladder pipe, and also pulled a third handline to the rear of the structure. Once the master stream was placed in service the fire was quickly knocked down and crews were able to go inside for offensive operations several minutes later. Command requested the next due Rescue Company for manpower, R43 responded and was assigned to help on the 2nd floor with overhaul. While crews began overhaul, 44-15 placed the scene under control and requested another rescue for assistance with overhaul and packing up equipment and hose. R53-6 who was responding as a cover-up, was redirected to the scene, and Sta. 51 was alerted for the cover-up. Crews remained on scene for about another hour and a half performing overhaul, and assisting the FM units. The scene was TOT FM 13 and all crews were back in quarters at 0413. No civilian or FF injuries were reported. The fire has been ruled Arson, and is currently being investigated by Delaware State Fire Marshals Office. If you have any information regarding this fire please contact the DSFMO @ 302-739-4447. The following is a link to the article posted on the Smyrna-Clayton Sun Times website. http://www.scsuntimes.com/article/20131119/NEWS/131119782 Units responding: E44-2, L44, E44-3, R44, 44-8, R43(Cheswold), R53-6(Leipsic), D-64,FM 13 & 12, DSP, SPD, & DEC. E51-3(Hartly) responded to Sta. 44 for a cover assignment. CHC units were in service for 2 hrs. and 19 minutes, and had 31 members respond to assist. OIC was Fire Chief Isaac J. Hankins.