Structure fires keeping Roanoke firefighters busy

By my count, Roanoke Fire-EMS has responded to 22 fires this year. Yesterday, February 16th firefighters were called out to two structure fires, followed by three more fires today.

Residential fire on February 16, 2006 at 3758 Long Meadow Ave.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 11:17 p.m. The response of three Engines, one Ladder truck, three Medic Units, one EMS Captain, one Investigative Unit, two Administrative Chiefs, the Assistant Fire Marshal and two Battalion Chiefs for a total of 26 personnel responded to the scene. The fire was deemed under control at 11:39 p.m.

Upon arrival crews found heavy fire and smoke showing. Crews quickly and aggressively lept into action and started a primary search to make sure that there weren’t any victims trapped inside. After the search was ruled all clear, crews quickly extinguished the blaze.

There were five people inside of the home when the fire broke out. They all escaped. Three of the residents were transported to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for smoke inhalation. Fire Crews are attributing the quick actions of the neighbor that lives across the street in saving the lives of the people inside of the home. He alerted them to the fire. There were no injuries to Fire-EMS personnel.

The origin of the fire and cause of the fire are under investigation. Damage estimates are approximately $95,000.

Apartment fire on February 16, 2006 at 821 Ferdinand Ave.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 5:31 p.m. The response of three Engines, one Ladder truck, two Medic Units, one EMS Captain, one Battalion Chief, and an Investigative Unit for a total of 19 personnel responded to the scene. The fire was under control at 5:45 p.m.

Upon arrival crews found light smoke and fire in the rear of the downstairs apartment. Crews quickly extinguished the fire and checked for victims inside of the apartment.

There was no one inside of the apartment where the fire started. There were 6 citizens in the apartment building. They all escaped without injuries. There were no injuries to Fire-EMS personnel.

The fire started in the kitchen and was contained to the kitchen. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are approximately $5,500.

Residential fire on February 17, 2006 at 829 Peck St.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 12:31 a.m. The response of five Engines, one Ladder truck, one Medic Unit, one EMS Captain, one Investigative Unit, two Administrative Chiefs, the Fire Marshal and the Assistant Fire Marshal and one Battalion Chief for a total of 27 personnel responded to the scene. The fire was deemed under control at 1:00 a.m.

Upon arrival crews found light smoke coming from the front door. Crews began investigating and found fire in the walls of the house. Crews quickly searched the home for any victims and extinguished the fire.

There were two people inside of the structure when the fire started. They escaped without injury. There were no injuries to Fire-EMS personnel.

The origin of the fire was inside of the walls and was ruled a flue fire and deemed accidental. Damage estimates are approximately $20,000.

Residential fire on February 17, 2006 at 510 9th St.

Not much to note on this fire, I do hear that FF Daniel Murphy gave up the nozzle, only to be given it back by his Captain. Lesson learned. Next time, on the big one, if you let go of that nozzle you probably won’t be given it back. The fire was contained to the window area of the structure.

Residential fire on February 17, 2006 at 2428 Maryland Ave.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 1:12 p.m. The response of three Engines, one Ladder truck, two Medic Units, one EMS Captain, one Administrative Chief, the Assistant Fire Marshal and one Education Information Specialist for a total of 22 personnel responded to the scene.

Upon arrival crews found smoke coming from the structure. Crews quickly investigated and found a flue fire. The fire was quickly extinguished and fire crews checked the walls and the attic to make sure that the fire had not extended into the walls. After the fire was extinguished, fire crews began to ventilate the structure and also began salvage and overhaul.

There was no one inside of the residence when the fire started. The owner of the home was outside when he noticed smoke coming from the chimney. There were no injuries to Fire-EMS personnel or to citizens.

The fire started in the flue and was contained to the flue. This fire has been ruled accidental. Damage estimates are approximately $8,000- $10,000.

I have only received pictures on the last fire, courtesy of FF Travis Collins. If you have any other pictures, send them in.