At 1758 hours on Sunday evening Stations 5, 1, 2, 7, Truck 1, Squad 7, EMS 59 and 19 were alerted to Woodbush Drive in Longview Beach for a reported house fire. Several calls were received reporting smoke and flames visible. Chief 5 arrived on the scene and located a two story house with heavy fire showing. Chief 5 established the Longview Beach Command. Chief 5 confirmed with neighbors that the house was vacant and currently under construction.
Engine 52 arrived first on the scene laying out from Longview Blvd and Woodbush Drive. Engine 52's crew pulled an attack line to the house an began an attack. Tanker 5 and Tanker 51 arrived next and supplied the scene. Engine 21 arrived next and reported to the scene along with Tanker 14.
Several crews pulled additional lines to the scene. Five total lines were pulled including the 2.5" line off Engine 52. Engine 72 was sent to Lagoon Drive to establish the water supply. Truck 1 and Squad 7 reported to the scene. Chief 7 was assigned the Attack Group Supervisor. Squad 5 was assigned the RIT on Side A.
Crews operated on an offensive attack for several minutes until the building became unstable and all crews were pulled out of the structure. Crews continued to operate the hand lines to extinguish the fire. Several tankers were sent to fill up at the draft site and returned to supply the scene. Once the fire was under control the additional tankers were released. After crews completed the overhaul of the scene to extinguish the remaining fire, Command held Company 5, Engine 21 and Tanker 14.
SMECO and a fire investigator were requested. Crews operated for approximately three hours before returning to quarters. The fire is currently under investigation. Charles County Engine 2 filled in during the incident.
