| On Thursday February 9 at approximately 1800 hours (6:00 pm), units from MAVFC were dispatched mutual aid to Howard County for a house fire. The initial dispatch advised that occupants were trapped in the house but information was updated shortly thereafter with a report that all occupants had exited the house.
Captain 1 was first on the scene and advised of a 2 story house with heavy fire showing from the alpha side (front). All occupants were confirmed to have exited the home. Howard Engine 41 was right behind Captain 1 and proceeded to the scene to begin fire attack operations, followed shortly by Howard Engine Tanker 44 and Rescue 1. Crews attempted an initial interior attack but were forced to evacuate due to heavy fire conditions that had extended past them. Defensive hose streams were placed in-service to knock down the bulk of the fire prior to re-entering the home for final extinguishment. This proved to be time consuming due to inaccessible fire areas and the structural stability of the floors.
This house was located back a driveway approximately 2400 feet from the road. This area also has no fire hydrants and relies upon underground cisterns and natural water sources for a supply of water. A hose relay was set-up and extra tankers were called to the scene to support the water supply operations.
Crews operated on the scene for approximately 4 hours with no injuries reported. The incident is under investigation by Howard County Fire and Rescue and the Red Cross was called to assist the homeowners. |
