Danville Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 8:30 am at 622 Jefferson St. The Shift Commander was the first unit on the scene and reported heavy smoke and fire coming from a large two story house. After making sure everyone was out of the structure, attack crews were assigned to begin extinguishing the blaze. The fire grew rapidly due to the fact that buildings in this area of the city were built without fire stops, (horizontal structural members between the upright framing structures) which are designed to slow the spread of fire going up the wall. As a result the fire entered the attic space very quickly. The fire soon came through the roof and crews were pulled out of the structure and a heavy stream from a nozzle mounted on the end of the aerial ladder apparatus was used to bring the fire under control so smaller hose lines could be used to finish the extinguishment process. More than thirty fire personnel were on the scene for more than four hours to complete the extinguishment, putting out hidden fires and doing all the followup work associated with the operation. Ten off-duty personnel were recalled to man reserve apparatus and help out at the scene. In all six of the city's seven front line engines and one aerial apparatus were at the scene during the operations. Also, the Shift Commander, an Assistant Chief and two off-duty Battalion Chiefs along with a Safety Officer were present during the incident. The Fire Marshal's office will investigate and determine the cause of the fire and an update will be posted later. The occupants will not be able to occupy the structure and were offered assistance from the Red Cross but they were making their own arrangements for temporary lodging.
Released by: Dallas R. Swiney, Battalion Chief, Shift Commander