Early Morning First Due Basement Fire
 
By Member Josh Shepherd
July 13, 2016
 

On 10 June 2016 at 0650 hours, Company 5 was alerted for the first due house fire at 2709 Apple Way. Engine 52 (AFC. Sealey) and (FF. Torr) marked up instantly. Soon to follow would be Chief 5 Bravo, SQUAD 5, Tanker 5, Utility 5, and Ambulance 59.

Upon Engine 52's arrival, they found a two story single family dwelling with heavy smoke showing from the basement access on the delta side of the residence. Due to the heavy smoke and a rapid spread of the fire, FF. Torr and AFC. Sealey advanced the 400ft 1 3/4 attack line to the basement access.

While gaining entry into the basement, AFC. Sealey was notified by the home owner that his wife was unaccounted for and quickly reported that an occupant was trapped inside the home. During this time, FF. Torr advanced the 400 ft attack line into the basement and mounted and aggressive interior attack. Shortly after SQUAD 5 (LT. Sealey) arrived and assumed first due Special Service responsibilities, and assisted Engine 52 with opening up the basement and hitting hot spots.

After both primary and secondary searches came back negative, it was found that there in fact were no occupants trapped in the home and all occupants were accounted for before being evaluated by the crew of Ambulance 59.

Due to a quick response and an aggressive interior attack, the fire was held to the basement with minor extension into the first floor. Company 5 units operated for approximately 2 hours before returning to service.