Not long after picking up the equipment from the second alarm fire in the Humboldt Neighborhood, crews were dispatched to a fire in the Sylvan-Highland Neighborhood. At 7:26 a.m. this morning crews were called to a reported house fire in the hills just north of W. Burnside (200 block of Macleay Blvd). As crews responded they could see a column of smoke in the air and dispatch was reporting that there were potential victims inside this home. Due to this report, AMR was dispatched in addition to first alarm companies.Â
When the first arriving Chief pulled up and took command (IC), he went to the street at the back of the home and found heavy fire from the upper floors of this home that appeared to be under construction. Engine and Truck 3 were able to position at the front of the building to attack the fire. This home turned out to be three stories with a basement. Upon arrival the IC noticed several people outside the home. At 7:34 there were reports that everyone was safely out of the structure and the interior crews confirmed that at 7:36. During the early phases of this fire, a firefighter’s helmet contacted a live power line. The power line had dropped from the burning building and was not visible due to the sunshine and its location near the sidewalk.
As crews were attacking fire from the interior and exterior they noticed that there was smoke showing from the adjacent home and the IC called for a second alarm to bring more resources to protect the second home. This brought the total number of responders to 73. One issue that is often present during greater alarms is the amount of apparatus present. This can be more challenging in the west hills as winding streets are often narrower. With good communications, second alarm crews were able to stage close to relieve crews as needed. The fire appeared to be involving not only the roof of the main structure, but the void spaces in the top floor. It was only after exposing knee walls that the crews confirmed that they had a good handle on this fire.
The IC noted that it took all first alarm companies and a few second alarm companies to safely bring this fire under control, and the fire was recalled at 8:06 a.m. It was the swift action by firefighters that kept this from extending to other structures. The second home did not catch fire. Two Fire Investigators were on the scene and determined the origin of the fire was in the second story bedroom, but the cause is still under investigation. No injuries have been reported.
PF&R reminded residents to call 911 if they see power lines down, treat all down lines as if they are energized and stay at least 30 feet away.Â
