Story By Becky Robinette Wright
Photos by Lieutenant Brian Clifford, Henrico County (VA) Fire Division
Henrico County (VA) Fire Division crews had just changed shifts on March 19, 2007, when they were called to a possible structure fire on 300 Kirkland Drive at around 0824 hours .
Three engines, two aerial ladder trucks, and Battalion Three responded to the initial alarm. On arrival, crews discovered smoke coming from the rear and the roof of the structure. A second alarm was sounded at 0831 hours, dispatching two additional engines and Squad 21, a rescue company.
Firefighters helped evacuate two residents.
Each apartment building housed four apartments,” said Lieutenant Tim Hancock. “There are firewalls between each apartment. The fire had spread to the roof of the structure and outside rear of the building. Due to the firewalls, the bulk of the fire was contained to apartment A. The remaining apartments experienced some smoke damage.”
The firefight began with five-inch supply lines and two 1¾ handlines. Crews performed an aggressive interior attack. A Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) was established.
Hancock said the operation went smoothly; all water was used and no water supply problems presented themselves. Firefighters declared the fire under control at 0857 hours.
A medical situation unrelated to the fire scene occurred. A resident who lived across the street from the fire scene began to experience chest pains. Henrico EMS personnel gave aid and transported the patient to the hospital.
Crews who battled the blaze and provided EMS support were from Henrico Stations 1, 5,7, 10, 11, and 21.
The Red Cross assisted the apartment residents who were displaced.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Lessons Learned
- The fire operation went well because crews had previously trained on strategies that prepared them for an actual firefighting scenario..
- Firefighters and commanding officers were familiar with the apartment complex and thus had an advantage in planning the fireground strategy.
- Weather conditions were favorable and did not present challenges at the incident.
- Since the shift change was already complete, the operation went smoothly.
