Back-to-Back Woods Fires & Shed Fire

Friday March 21, 2008, at 1340 hours, the North Beach VFD was alerted for the possible brush fire in the area of 2705 Karen Drive (103 box). While en route, additional information was received advising it was actually a woods fire, quickly spreading. With this information, Chief 6 (Riffe), Chief 6C (Hayes), Tanker 6 (Buckler), Brush 6 (Montgomery Jr), and Jeep 6 (Miller) were added to the call. Seconds later, it was reported a shed was now heavily involved with fire and threatening a house. With this updated information, Chief 6B (Montgomery), and Engine 61 (Lt Kerns) now were brought to the call.

Seconds later, units arrived to find a shed and the woods on fire, quickly spreading due to the gusting winds. Crews were able to stretch multiple lines and quickly stop the spread of fire. Engine 61 sat on the dry hydrant and supplied the Tankers. In addition, units from Company 5 and Company 2 were also added to the call. Huntingtown units remained on the scene until 1502 hours.
Command: Chief 6, Operations: Chief 1B (Ortenzo)

Less than 30 minutes later, at 1530 hours, Chief 6, Chief 6B, Engine 61 (Lt Thrasher), Brush 6 (Capt Collins), Tanker 6 (Buckler), and Jeep 6 (Miller) were alerted to 500 Sweetbriar Lane for the woods fire. Crews arrived to find another woods fire quickly spreading. However, due to the quick response, the fire was quickly extinguished and Huntingtown units returned to service in 30 minutes. With all these units on the street, an additional crew remained in quarters and responded with Ambulance 69 to a medical emergency.

Pictures courtesy of member, Dennis Hook: www.dchookedonphotography.com