Littleton, CO 3rd Alarm & Mayday 8-11-14

[Guest]

This morning Littleton Firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire at 5535 South Lowell Blvd.  Companies reported black smoke in the air from across the city.  Initial companies found a middle row, two story unit well involved with fire.  The building is off-set from the street over 100 feet and required an extended 2 1/2" lay gated down to 1 3/4" attack lines.  A second alarm was quickly called and crews began an offensive attack.  An Alpha and Charlie Division were established and fire was traveling laterally through the attic.  Englewood Engine 21 was operating on the second floor of the fire unit when conditions deteriorated and ceiling / attic collapsed.  They transmitted a mayday and the designated RIT company made entry.  The crew safely exited the building with all members accounted for and no injuries.  Due to the structure failing a defensive strategy was declared in the fire unit and offensive strategy in the exposure units.  

 

I arrived late in the game but still caught some decent photos.  First up and not seen around these parts... South Metro Engine 38 beached the back lawn...