|
Firefighters were hampered in their efforts to fight a quick spreading fire in the NorthWest section of the City this morning. Charged electric lines burned through and were arcing in front of one of the buildings burning. Two firefighters were transported from the scene. There was no word of occupants.
Phone box 78 was dispatched at 10:00 for a garage fire in the rear of 333 McKnight Street. Smoke was visible throughout the City and Car 22 affirmed the 911 report of the large plume of smoke. Apparatus on the box were Engines 1, 5, 9, 13 safety, Tower 1, Ladder 3, Rescue 1, Medic 603 and Cars 4, 9 and 22. Cars 1 and 10 responded after the report.
Arriving on location at the fire, Car 9 began positioning apparatus. The fire was now reported in 2 garages facing the alley in the rear of the address. Apparatus positioned at either end of the alley. A 3 1/3 supply was stretched down the alley. One handline was in service for the fire building and Car 9 ordered a second line through the residence which was now burning.
Fire spread on both sides of the garages and began involving more structures up and down the row. Car 4 called for a 2nd alarm at 10:11 and ordered responding crews to park their apparatus and report to the fire building.
Car 1 reported on location
Electrical line overhead had burned through and were draped over the exposed garage and Command ordered for the electric company to respond. A second request came later for the utility to respond and dispatch reported that they were attempting to get a crew available. The downed lines were energized and preventing firefighters from accessing one of the burning garages according to reports. The crew finally got the electric shut off at 11:20.
Firefighters continued to fight the fires. A total of 4 garages were burned and the fire had spread to 333 and 331 McKnight. There were three lines in service and crews were opening the buildings to extinguish hot spots. Command reported the fire blackened down about 30 minutes into the incident.
Two firefighters were transported to the hospital during the fire. One reported an object in his eye and the other was struck by falling debris. The conditions were unknown.
The fire marshal responded and is investigating. An early report indicated one of the properties vacant but no official report was available. There have been several suspicious fires in vacant properties in the last few days.
Most units had cleared the scene by 12:00
|
