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At 0953 this morning, Box 163 was struck for a reported basement fire at 330 Summit Ave, Decarlo’s Custom Cabinetry. Companies dispatched were Engines 14, 5, 3, 1 Safety, Ladder 1, Rescue 1, Medic 601 and Cars 2 and 8, Car 22 also responded upon receipt of a working fire. Medic 601 was already in the area and arrived within moments of the first alarm, the crew confirmed the report of a working basement fire to responding apparatus. Heavy smoke was pushing from the 1 story manufacturing structure, the business was in operation and personnel evacuated the building.
Engine 14 advanced an 1 3/4 inch handline into the 1 story corner commercial property, the crew was assisted and backed up by firefighters on arriving apparatus. Ladder 1 crew began to attempt ventilation work but firefighters were hampered by lack of basement openings and blocked access and egress from the wood being piled against walls and potential openings.
The one and only stairwell down into the basement was a full stretch of the 200 foot handline used. Crews downstairs experienced zero visibility in the smoke packed basement but quickly found the fire burning in a corner of the lower level.
Luckily with the quick response of the firefighters and the fact that the business was in operation the fire was stopped before it made it upstairs although the complete S/W corner of the basement near the utility room and dust collector was charred from floor to ceiling.
Workers stated they heard a loud explosion from the basement and that the building quickly began filling with smoke. There were no known injuries and the Fire Marshal is investigating. The fire was wrapped up and crews cleared around noon. Thanks to FF S. hart and others who contributed to this story.
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