North Smithfield, RI ~ A fire in the kitchen sparked a 2-alarm fire at 131 Pond House Rd on February 21, 2013. A worker was in the basement when he heard smoke detectors sounding. He knew the occupants were elderly had limited mobility so he went to investigate to the cause. The kitchen was on fire as he climbed the stairs. He assisted the wheel chair bound male and the Alzheimer suffering wife out to safety and called 911.
North Smithfield Chief Jillson radioed that he had heavy smoke showing from a distance as he responded to the scene. NSFD Engine 1, 2, and Tanker 1 responded in with Smithfield Engine 2 and Burrillville Tanker 33 on mutual aid. This area of the town is not serviced by hydrant water supply.
Chief 1 arrived to find heavy smoke and fire conditions in a 1-½ story wood framed Cape Cod style dwelling. He ordered a working fire to be sounded. The OIC ordered a defensive attack due to the large quantities of home oxygen equipment that was stored in the well-involved dwelling. Engine 1 began fire attack on the Bravo/Charlie side while Engine 2’s crew hand jacked LDH down the driveway to the roadway.
The electrical service on the Bravo side was beginning to fail and sparks were flying due to the fire venting below it. National Grid was requested with a push due to this hazard. Smithfield Engine 2 arrived and stretched a hand line to the Alpha side to attack from the front doorway. Burrillville Tanker 33 secured water supply from a pond across the street from the dwelling. The set up a draft site and relay pumped up to the scene.
The Chief allowed members to make a push inside to attempt further knock down on the fire. The dormer windows on the second floor were now pushing heavy black smoke. The hose team made the second floor but had to be withdrawn after a few minutes due to deteriorating conditions. The fire was now showing through the roof on the Charlie/Delta corner. Exterior hand lines were used to contain the fire.
The family dog was rescued from the kitchen area as crews pushed in to make final knockdown. Millville Engine 2 was also special called to the scene for manpower to assist with overhauling. The house was deemed a total loss due to the extensive damage sustained by the fire. The Special Signal Association Canteen responded to provide warm refreshments to the fatigued personnel.
North Smithfield Chief Jillson radioed that he had heavy smoke showing from a distance as he responded to the scene. NSFD Engine 1, 2, and Tanker 1 responded in with Smithfield Engine 2 and Burrillville Tanker 33 on mutual aid. This area of the town is not serviced by hydrant water supply.
Chief 1 arrived to find heavy smoke and fire conditions in a 1-½ story wood framed Cape Cod style dwelling. He ordered a working fire to be sounded. The OIC ordered a defensive attack due to the large quantities of home oxygen equipment that was stored in the well-involved dwelling. Engine 1 began fire attack on the Bravo/Charlie side while Engine 2’s crew hand jacked LDH down the driveway to the roadway.
The electrical service on the Bravo side was beginning to fail and sparks were flying due to the fire venting below it. National Grid was requested with a push due to this hazard. Smithfield Engine 2 arrived and stretched a hand line to the Alpha side to attack from the front doorway. Burrillville Tanker 33 secured water supply from a pond across the street from the dwelling. The set up a draft site and relay pumped up to the scene.
The Chief allowed members to make a push inside to attempt further knock down on the fire. The dormer windows on the second floor were now pushing heavy black smoke. The hose team made the second floor but had to be withdrawn after a few minutes due to deteriorating conditions. The fire was now showing through the roof on the Charlie/Delta corner. Exterior hand lines were used to contain the fire.
The family dog was rescued from the kitchen area as crews pushed in to make final knockdown. Millville Engine 2 was also special called to the scene for manpower to assist with overhauling. The house was deemed a total loss due to the extensive damage sustained by the fire. The Special Signal Association Canteen responded to provide warm refreshments to the fatigued personnel.
Ken LaBelle
Capt Town of Lincoln Fire/Rescue 4
NRIFirePhotos.com
Capt Town of Lincoln Fire/Rescue 4
NRIFirePhotos.com