Main Street House Fire Goes to Second Alarm

On Thursday February 24, at 1053 hours (10:53 am), units were dispatched for a house fire in the 300 block of North Main Street. Units arrived moments after dispatch and found a 2 1/2 story house well involved in fire. E12 took a front position and had their own hydrant. The fire was progressing very rapidly so Chief 1 requested a second alarm. First attack lines were taken in the front door but the crews were driven back by heavy heat and smoke. A defensive posture was taken at that time until additional resources could be mustered and a knock down could be made on the fire, then units re-entered the structure and finished the extinguishment of the fire. A resident of the house advised that all persons were out of the house, but a search was done as soon as possible after knockdown of the fire. The fire was brought under control in less than an hour with mop up operations continuing for another hour and a half. Units were clear by 1345 hours (1:45 pm).

Damage to the house was extensive. The 6 residents were assisted by the Red Cross as they lost most of their belongings and their home.

The origin area of the fire was the back porch area, and the cause was unattended grilling on the back porch which ignited the rear porch area and extended into the house.