Part 2 of a series of in-depth reports on fireground tactics.

Report
00:04 - April 27, 2008: Montgomery County fireboard (”county”) dispatches Station 53, Lower Providence Fire Department, to 6007 Shady Wood Circle for a house struck by lightning.
- Neighbors call fire emerging from rear of the house and smoke inside.
- Police report heavy smoke.
- Engine 53 to hit the hydrant.
00:15 - 53 Command is established.
2 engines and a ladder requested. Engine/Squad 34 (Collegeville), Engine/Tower 63 (Oaks).
01:30 - Fire placed under control.
~ 03:30 - Units cleared from the scene.

Perspective
Photos courtesy of Lower Providence Fire.

On-Scene
Engine 53, Tower 53, Engine/Squad 34, Engine/Tower 63.

Description of fire and additional notes
2-story wood-frame single-family dwelling struck by lightning. Heavy smoke condition, high heat, fire in the basement and close to zero visibility left the crew no choice but to back out of the residence. Fire extended to ceiling beams. The first method of attack was ventilation from the second floor. Note how they decide to switch to the “Event 4″ channel, which allows them to dedicate one radio channel to the fireground without interruption. The units had some initial difficulty finding the origins of the fire.

Location

Categories: Case Studies, Fighting Fire, Special Report
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