The Danville Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 138 Shannon Dr on Friday. Engine 5 was the first unit to arrive on the scene, they were faced with wind driven, heavy smoke and fire conditions coming from the garage of a 2 story home. Additional fire units consisting of two more Engines, a Ladder truck, Chief Officer and a Safety Officer arrived on the scene shortly after. Crews began an initial interior attack of the attached garage but were hampered by deteriorating conditions. A partial collapse of the garage forced fire crews to retreat and continue to battle the flames from outside of the home. The fire had damaged the electric service to the residence; the electric department had to shut down part of the power grid before firefighters could safely re-enter the home to search for any hidden fire. Due to the freezing conditions an additional Engine as well as other support apparatus were called to assist on the scene. In all the fire department responded with 16 firefighters, 4 Chief Officers and 2 members of the Fire Marshal's office.
The attached garage was completely destroyed by the fire with the home suffering heat and smoke damage to the 2nd story. The Fire Marshal's office believes that lines arcing from the heavy wind conditions caused the leaves around the home to catch fire. The fire then spread to the siding and eventually into the garage attic space. The home was unoccupied at the time of the incident.
Representatives from Power and Light, Danville Police Department, and the Danville Life Saving Crew responded to assist. Along with a sand truck from public works that was dispatched to the scene to cover any freezing run-off.
