Story by Battalion Chief Donnie Daniels
Photos by Bob Bartosz
On November 27, 2013 at 3:03 PM City of Rocky Mount (NC) Fire Units were dispatched to a residential structure fire at 1217 Mashie Ln. Upon arrival, firefighters found flames blowing from the first floor door and windows of the two story, 2,100-square foot home.
The home was occupied by three adults and four small children who were able to escape uninjured. Engine 4 personnel established command and deployed a 1 ¾-inch attack line and a 1 ¾-inch backup line, both with 200 gpm nozzles. Engine 4 personnel were able to knock down a large portion of the fire through exterior windows until additional units arrived on scene. Engine 6 arrived on scene and established a water supply from a hydrant approximately 500 feet away.
Battalion 2 arrived on scene and assumed command. Engine 4 and Rescue 2 personnel initiated an aggressive interior attack and completed a primary search as Engine 6 personnel manned the backup line. Ladder 30 personnel provided ventilation support for interior crews. Ladder 10 arrived on scene, established a RIT, and deployed ground ladders as secondary egress for crews advancing to the second floor. Engine 5 responded to the scene and staged for a possible assignment to support on-scene crews.
Although fire crews faced heavy fire conditions initially and were met with strong winds that hampered fire suppression, they were able to bring the fire under control within 20 minutes. Fire crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the rear of the home and the second floor.
Nash County EMS responded and assisted with rehab for on-scene personnel. No firefighters were injured during the fire. The Rocky Mount North Carolina Fire Marshal’s Office and Rocky Mount Police Dept. responded to assist with the investigation. The occupants were fortunate to escape as one of the adults was hearing and visually impaired and another adult was sleeping. Occupants were alerted to the fire by one of the children who smelled smoke and alerted the adults.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation but does not appear to be suspicious at this time. The CRM Electrical Troubleshooter responded and terminated power to the residence. The home suffered significant fire damage which resulted in the occupants being displaced. The Red Cross was able to provide housing assistance for the occupants. Contact was made with the property owner who resides out of state.
View more photos HERE.
