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Shortly after noon phone box 353 was dispatched for a reported structure fire at 222 Hudson Street. A visual was reported from the Communication Center and several apparatus responding also could clearly see the trail of smoke crossing the city.
Shortly after noon phone box 353 was dispatched for a reported structure fire at 222 Hudson Street. A visual was reported from the Communication Center and several apparatus responding also could clearly see the trail of smoke crossing the city. Engine 11 arrived in the block and reported a working fire. By the time the other units arrived fire was leaping out from the first floor window extending to the second floor and burning through the front door. A line was pulled and trained on the front door to blacken down the flames so that the door could be opened. Firefighters moved in and blackened down the fire on the first floor which was filled with trash and household items. While making their way through the waist deep piles, the flames flared up behind the crew and a second line was ordered to back them up. With the majority of the fire on the first floor blackened down the crew then made their way up to the second floor where they encountered more fire involving the front and middle rooms. Again the flames were knocked down enough so that the crew was able to continue up to the third floor. Although no visible fire was found on the third floor, intense heat and zero visibility was encountered. By this time, the alarms began going off from the air packs of the initial crew and they began to make their way out of the building. A second crew took over and opened up the third floor which was also cluttered with debris. An extensive overhaul began. Due to the amount of debris already in the structure, and that added by the overhaul, it was decided to use foam to assure that all hidden fire would be extinguished. The fire is under investigation however reports stated that an electric space heater was found which was connected to an extension cord that was being fed from several doors away. The building was supposedly vacant and no occupants were found. One exposure was occupied and sustained only minor damage. Engines 11, 3, 1, 13 safety, Ladder 1, Tower 1, Rescue 1, Medic 601 and Cars 1 and 6 responded on the box. Engine 9 was special called to the scene to stand by as safety company and the firefighters from Engine 13 were put into service. Car 23 responded to investigate. |
