| Shortly before 0600 hours on Saturday April 26, 2008 the Prince Frederick VFD was alerted for the investigation of smoke in the area of 1200 Solomons Island Road (Bayside Toyota). Upon arrival, smoke was found showing from the roof area of Bayside Toyota, prompting Chief 2C (Della-Camera) to request the full Commerical Assignment. At 0601 hours, the assignment was filled out bringing Huntingtown VFD 2nd due to the box with Chief 6 (Riffe), Engine 62 (Robison), Squad 6 (Capt McKenny), and Tanker 6 (Reyes). Upon arrival, the crew from Engine 62 and Squad 6 advanced a secondary line into the store and began searching the showroom for fire through zero visibility and moderate heat. With negative results, the line was repositioned and advanced into the service bay area where heavy fire was found behind a metal chain gate. One member from Engine 62 utilized the K-12 saw to gain access into the area while a crew from Prince Frederick VFD found an interior window into the service area. Once inside heavy fire conditions were found involving the entire service parts area along with a couple of offices. The Prince Frederick and Huntingtown VFD made quick work of the stubborn fire which involved furniture, all the interior components, several hundred auto parts, cases of oil, and other auto lubricants and fluids.
With the fire being extinguished, crews on the 2nd floor advised that the concrete floor was beginning to crack, sag, and become compromised. An investigation of the light-weight metal trusses supporting the 2nd floor also revealed that due to the intense heat, they had also been compromised and beginning to buckle and bend. All crews were ordered out of the building and to hit the remaining hot spots via exterior mode. The Huntingtown Volunteers worked on the scene until 0940 hours.
Shortly into the incident, the Working Fire Dispatch was sounded bringing a 4th crew from quarters, Engine 61 (Sgt Morris). Upon arrival, they were assigned to a hydrant to assist in filling Tankers for the water shuttle. Later, they transferred to Company 2 Quarters and responded on 2 calls. An additional 5th crew remained in quarters and staffed Ambulance 68 which responded to 2 additional calls. In addition to 5 crews from Huntingtown VFD operating, the Huntingtown VFD Ladies Auxiliary provided food and beverages on the scene. Thanks to Anne Arundel Company 42 (Deale) for filling our station. By midnight, the Huntingtown Volunteers had answered 12 calls for service.
Command: Chief 2C, Operations: Chief 2 (Scott), Division 1: Chief 6, Division 2: Safety Officer 2 (Hassler), Water Supply: Sergeant 6 (Morris).
Pictures courtesy of member, Dennis Hook: www.dchookedonphotography.com and member, Paul Robison. |
