Central Falls, RI ~ A fast moving basement fire tore through this Victorian style dwelling at 302-04 Central Street late in the evening on February 9, 2013. The Central Falls Fire Department had heavy staffing on due to the blizzard that hit the area 2 days prior. There was over 2’ of snow on the ground along with snow packed roadways. Most of the side streets were still in the process of getting opened up.
Central Falls Fire received calls for a possible fire in the building just after 2200hrs. Engine 1, 2, Ladder 1, and Battalion 1 responded to the address, which was only a few blocks away from headquarters. Smoke detectors were sounding as companies arrived. Heavy smoke started to show as they began to investigate the first floor. It was determined that the fire was in the cellar. The bulkhead door was forced on the Charlie side and companies readied their mask and hose lines.
Firefighters attempted to push in as heavy smoke rolled over their heads. The crew encountered clutter conditions in the cellar as the tried to locate the seat of the fire. Mutual aid from Lincoln and Pawtucket had now arrived on scene to assist. Lincoln Ladder 51 set up as FAST and threw ground ladders for fire escapes if needed. Lincoln Engine 4 took a line to the Delta side to protect an exposure due to the now heavy fire venting up the sidewall. Pawtucket Engine 2 and Ladder 1 went to work stretching lines to the first and second floor to attempt to stop the fire’s progression.
The members in the basement had now figured out the fire appeared to be gas feed on the Alpha/Delta corner. The OIC made the decision to pull all firefighters out of the building until the utilities could be cut off. Heavy churning black smoke was now beginning to show from the upper floors and attic. The fire was now traveling the voids and balloon frame walls of this large structure.
Fire was now beginning to break through the roofline and Alpha side gable end. The OIC requested that a 3rd alarm to be struck due to the deteriorating conditions. Water supply had to be relay pumped in from a distance from the hydrants that could be found due to the massive piles of snow that lined all of the streets. Central Falls Ladder 1 set up its master stream on the Alpha/Delta corner while North Providence Ladder 1 had the Charlie side from a parking lot of a funeral home on Clinton Street.
Exterior hand lines and master streams operated for 45 minutes to knock down the blaze. Incident command returned the companies inside to open up and extinguish the hot spots and hidden fire. Companies were rotated out to the Special Signal Association’s canteen for thawing and hot drinks. The Central Falls Building Officials deemed the structure a total loss and was slated for emergency demolition.
Central Falls Fire received calls for a possible fire in the building just after 2200hrs. Engine 1, 2, Ladder 1, and Battalion 1 responded to the address, which was only a few blocks away from headquarters. Smoke detectors were sounding as companies arrived. Heavy smoke started to show as they began to investigate the first floor. It was determined that the fire was in the cellar. The bulkhead door was forced on the Charlie side and companies readied their mask and hose lines.
Firefighters attempted to push in as heavy smoke rolled over their heads. The crew encountered clutter conditions in the cellar as the tried to locate the seat of the fire. Mutual aid from Lincoln and Pawtucket had now arrived on scene to assist. Lincoln Ladder 51 set up as FAST and threw ground ladders for fire escapes if needed. Lincoln Engine 4 took a line to the Delta side to protect an exposure due to the now heavy fire venting up the sidewall. Pawtucket Engine 2 and Ladder 1 went to work stretching lines to the first and second floor to attempt to stop the fire’s progression.
The members in the basement had now figured out the fire appeared to be gas feed on the Alpha/Delta corner. The OIC made the decision to pull all firefighters out of the building until the utilities could be cut off. Heavy churning black smoke was now beginning to show from the upper floors and attic. The fire was now traveling the voids and balloon frame walls of this large structure.
Fire was now beginning to break through the roofline and Alpha side gable end. The OIC requested that a 3rd alarm to be struck due to the deteriorating conditions. Water supply had to be relay pumped in from a distance from the hydrants that could be found due to the massive piles of snow that lined all of the streets. Central Falls Ladder 1 set up its master stream on the Alpha/Delta corner while North Providence Ladder 1 had the Charlie side from a parking lot of a funeral home on Clinton Street.
Exterior hand lines and master streams operated for 45 minutes to knock down the blaze. Incident command returned the companies inside to open up and extinguish the hot spots and hidden fire. Companies were rotated out to the Special Signal Association’s canteen for thawing and hot drinks. The Central Falls Building Officials deemed the structure a total loss and was slated for emergency demolition.
Ken LaBelle
Capt Town of Lincoln Fire/Rescue 4
NRIFirePhotos.com
Capt Town of Lincoln Fire/Rescue 4
NRIFirePhotos.com
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