EAST RIDGE, Tennessee - Sunday, November 2,2008 - 2:30 am - East Ridge Fire
Department was alerted of a structure fire at 5001 Delaware Drive, just off
of Moore Road. When the first fire unit arrived on the scene they reported a
working structure fire and requested an additional "All Call" to be sounded
for additional manpower. A garage in the rear of the structure was already
fully involved and the fire was rapidly consuming a rear addition on the
house.Within seconds, firefighters
had pulled an inch and 3/4 hose line from East Ridge Quint 1 and started a
primary attack. The firefighters took up a position outside the house right
at the edge of the addition. Just like taking a bull by the horns, the
firefighters literally stopped the progression of the fire in it's tracks.
Keeping the fire from advancing any further into the home the fire crew
showed amazing precision and accuracy.
Meanwhile, several additional fire crews
were arriving on the scene. Command on the scene also called for additional
manpower and equipment from the Fort Oglethorpe Fire Department and the
Catoosa County Fire Department. By this point the initial attack crew was
advancing to the inside of the house to ensure there was no further
extension. One of the arriving crews took up the exterior position with and
additional inch and 3/4 hose line.
With additional fire units arriving and
establishing a water supply from a fire hydrant a block away, fire crews
could stage a dome of protection around the remainder of the home while
extinguishing the intense blaze. Fire crews now had to make there way into
the attic space to knock down the fire above. Within minutes it was obvious
the firefighters were showing the bright red devil who was the boss.
Crews had the fire under control in about
45 minutes, but continued knocking down hot spots and conducting over haul
for about two hours. Fire command called for the assistance of the Hamilton
County Rescue Squad for their Rehab Truck and their Air Truck. East Ridge
Police also assisted at the scene with traffic control for the supply line
that was laid to the fire hydrant.
The family was at home when the fire broke
out, fortunately they all made it out of the house without injury. Due to
the quick and tenacious nature of the firefighters the majority of the home
and it's contents were saved. The fire caused an estimated $50,000 dollars
in damage, but the home should be livable in a rather short period of time.
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Story and photos by Bill Carson
All the pictures from this run are available in the members
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