Article and photos by Becky Robinette Wright
On January 23, 2007, at 1322 hours, the City of Richmond (VA) Fire and Emergency Services was alerted to a report of a possible house fire on Orcutt Lane at Broad Rock Boulevard. Three quints, two engines, one heavy rescue unit, one Battalion Chief from the City of Richmond, a mutual aid engine from Chesterfield County (VA) and a Chesterfield Battalion Chief responded to the call.
Crews began an immediate investigation of the area but were unable to locate the structure. After an extended search, the call was deemed a false alarm and units were marked back in service. However, as Engine 23 was heading back to headquarters, the crew spotted the fire structure, the fire was called in, and all units were redispatched to the correct address.
Engine 23’s crew found fire blowing out of windows on the “A” side of the home. It was reported that an elderly couple was possibly inside. Engine 23 advanced 200 feet of 1¾-inch hand line and began a search through the structure.
A primary search revealed no one at home. One of the elderly residents arrived later and said she was staying at a friend’s house while the home was being renovated.
The first challenge in this incident that the caller provided the wrong address, delaying the response because a fire location search had to be conducted first. The fireground was actually nearly two miles from the original reported address.
The second challenge were the difficult conditions found within the structure. The small home was under renovation and contained a large amount of gypsum board, tile, and wood furnishings, all stored in a confined area, making it hard for firefighters to maneuver.
A family dog died in the fire, and firefighters were unable to locate a pet cat. There were no rekindles in the incident. The fire was contained to the room of origin (the front living room). Venting was accomplished with fans in the doors. The fire is under investigation.
Lessons Learned
- It’s important to be alert always, especially in challenging conditions where obstacles are blocking walkways inside a structure. Be alert for flammable materials and trip hazards. Be alert for possible breathing hazards when chemicals (glues, paint, and so on) are stored in a home. Firefighter safety is always a priority.
- Be aware of exits should your pathway become blocked by falling debris.
