Story by Becky Robinette Wright
Photos by Henrico firefighter Garreth Overstreet
After responding to an overturned vehicle call on a local interstate, Henrico (VA) County Divsion of Fire Engine 11 was returning to quarters around 0701 hours on April 22, 2007, when firefighters noticed smoke in the air at Berrymeade Hills Court. They called dispatch to report the smoke and then investigated.
Battalion Chief Kevin Bartal said Engine 11 discovered a two-story single family dwelling at 1405 Berrymeade Hills Court with smoke and flames coming from the rear of the structure. Crews requested a full structural assignment.
Crews went in rescue mode because vehicles were seen in the driveway but there was no sign of occupants. Firefighters forced entry into the home and found a father and daughter upstairs still asleep and unaware of the fire. Firefighters safely evacuated the residents and their pets.
After the primary search was completed, firefighters began an attack in the rear of the structure. RIT was established when additional resources arrived.
The deck of the home was on fire, a propane tank was leaking in the area of origin, and there was fire extension deep into the knee walls of the home.
After the deck fire was extinguished, the propane tank was moved to a safe area. Additional crews attempted to extinguish the fire in the knee walls.
The fire was brought under control quickly. Units were on scene for about two hours performing salvage and overhaul.
Officials said the origin of the fire appeared to be a grill that the owner had used the night before and left on. The smoke alarms had not yet sounded an alert because the fire had began on the exterior and went into the walls. Officials said the fire would have blocked the escape path of the residents. Estimated damage to the residence is $31,000, and the occupants were displaced.
Lessons Learned
- Rescue mode was initiated because of evidence of possible victims inside, setting safety as a priority. As soon as additional firefighters arrived on scene, RIT was immediately established.
- Crews were alert at all times and noticed the smoke in the air, which resulted in quick fire detection and the safe rescue of the residents.
- Fire extension into knee walls is an extremely hazardous situation which can quickly turn deadly. During this operation, additional crew members were assigned to the knee walls. Knee-walls conceal fire well and allow it to communicate throughout the walls of the structure both vertically and horizontally. This type of fire produces a significant risk if not located quickly. Why? Knee walls allow fire to burn around the compartment in which the firefighters are working; a firefighter potentially could be engulfed in flames from the outside-in.
- See Photos From This Incident In Our Photo Gallery!
