Engine, Tanker and Chief Respond to 21500 Abells Wharf Rd for a House Fire

At 0409 hours Station 1, Station 6, Station 7, Water Supply 5, and EMS Station 19 were dispatched to 21500 Abells Wharf Rd for a House fire with people possibly trapped. Engine 73, Engine 74 and Chief 7 responded with 10 volunteers shortly after dispatch. While en route Chief 1 reported that he was in the area with fire showing. At 0418 hours Chief 1 (Trossbach) arrived on the scene a large two story colonial style house with fire showing from side "B" of the structure. Engine 10 was next to arrive dropping a supply line from the drive way in and advanced a hand line to the structure for fire attack. Engine 74 and Engine 73 arrived on the scene moments after the units from Company 1 arrived and the crews went to work. Engine 74 arrived and pulled a back up line to the structure while the unit provided a water supply to the fire ground. Engine 73's crew was tasked with Truck duties and threw numerous ground ladders to the structure then went to the second floor to start opening up and check for extension. The initial attack crew was forced to back out after the roof of the addition collapsed in. The crews were able to re-group and continue the fire attack from a safe location. The fire was contained to the one story addition on side "B" and there was found to be no extension to the main body of the house. Prior to Fire Department arrival all subjects were able to exit the structure on there own. Chief 1 held the Abells Wharf Command and the fire was placed under control at 0449 hours. The State Fire Marshall's Office investigated the incident and found the fire to be accidental in cause. Units from Hollywood remained on the scene for approximately 2 hours before returning to quarters at 0648 hours.

Thanks to Engine 92 who transfered to the Station during the incident.

**Photos 8, 9, and 10 courtesy of John Douglass**