Wednesday March 3, 2010 at 1312 hours, Chief 6 (Riffe) and Engine 62 (Sgt Williams) were alerted for the house fire at 3211 Smith's Retreat Street. Units knew this would be a working fire from the beginning when Safety Officer 1 (O' Connor) called it in over the radio. This address is his residence. Units arrived on the scene of the 2 story wood-frame house with fire showing from the basement, 1st floor and 2nd floor. Immediately, a 2nd alarm was brought to the scene. Minutes later, fire had spread through the attic and was now showing through the roof. (3) 1 3/4" lines and (1) 2 1/2" line were advanced into the house to knock down all visible fire. 20 minutes into the incident due to deteriorating conditions and a pending roof collapse, all units were ordered to evacuate the residence. Tower 1; already set up for heavy-duty operations went to work knocking down all fire in the attic and roof. Once this was accomplished, crews regrouped and were sectored into the different divisions. Crews worked diligently but unfortunately the house is a total loss. Units from the Huntingtown VFD operated on the scene until 1554 hours.
