The Danville Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on November 2, 2017 at 4:15 am. Apparatus arrived at 4:18 am to find a small one-story house with heavy smoke coming from the front door and fire rolling out of a back window. The first arriving companies pulled lines to the front door to attack the fire. They also confirmed everyone was out of the residence. Firefighters entered the house but were unable to advance the hose lines far due to the heat and the amount of fire in the house. Fire had also breached the attic and was dangerously rolling over their head. The ladder truck was set up and fire operations became defensive, i.e. all firefighting was from the exterior of the house. The house next door also received some damage due to the exposure of fire and heat from the original house. The house at 175 White St. is a total loss.
Initially three engines, one ladder, and two support vehicles responded. As the fire progressed two extra engines were dispatched along with two other support vehicles. 24 fire personnel responded and many are still on the scene. The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire. Two occupants of the original house were displaced and being helped by the Red Cross.
Units will remain on scene for a period of time to control hot spots and assist with the fire investigation.
Brian K. Alderson
Battalion Chief