Incident Report: Chesterfield, VA, firefighters tackle night fire

Report and photos by Becky Robinette Wright


Around 1920 hours on January 9, flames erupted in a single family cinderblock structure at the 4800 block of Oriole Avenue in Chesterfield, Virginia, and quickly began to consume the occupied home.

Firefighters were quickly dispatched from Chesterfield and the nearby jurisdiction of Richmond.

Responding units included Engine 3 (Bensley), Truck 3 (Bensley), Engine 11 (Dale), Engine 15 (Airport),Engine 17 (Centralia), TSO (Lt. John Crosby), Battalion One (Chief Robert Avsec). On Mutual Aid Richmond Quint 21. Ambulance #3 (Bensley) and Medic #15 (Airport) provided EMS support. Engine 15 (Airport) was initially dispatched for Station fill in at Bensley, but later was dispatched to the fire scene for relief.


On arrival, firefighters observed heavy fire and heavy smoke conditions. Five-inch supply line was laid and initial attack lines of 1 ¾ were stretched. Launching an aggressive attack, they quickly knocked down the flames.


Members confronted extreme fire conditions and a limited interior area within which to operate. The cinderblock structure of the home held in the heat, virtually making it an oven. Temperatures outside were 35 degrees and dropping.


Rehab was established and crews rotated. The cause of the incident is under investigation. Residents were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.