Co. 17 Units run House Fire on Kemptown Road
 
By Chief Officer Geoffrey Burns
January 13, 2015
 

On Saturday, January 10, 2015, ECC dispatched Co. 13 (Damascus) units for an unknown rescue. Before the units had left the station, the incident was upgraded to the house fire assignment quickly followed by the rapid intervention dispatch which brought RS717 (MFF Albrecht) to the scene. Chiefs 717B (D/C Burns) and E (D/C Chite) also responded on the alarm.

As units approached the scene, a large column of heavy black smoke could be seen for several miles surrounding the area. C713B arrived and established command, reported that it would be a defensive operation, and requested the task force for additional units. C717B as C713B was making his transmission, and started to build out the command team on the scene.

As a defensive attack was initiated and successfully extinguished the bulk of the fire, units proceeded to open the exterior walls of the balloon frame house, finding fire involvement between wall studs and between floors. Renovations to the house over the years since its construction made this a difficult task.

After approximately 1 hour of work, the fire was declared under control, and units were able to enter the structure for final mop-up. RS717 assisted after being released from duties with the RID.

Canteen 717 assisted with the rehab efforts for firefighters at the scene, responding almost immediately on the dispatch of the first alarm assignment.

 
Units: RS717, C717B, C717E