Structure Fire 12/15/2010
On December 15,2010 at 11:35 hours all Ringwood Fire Companies were dispatched for the report of a small fire at the bottom of Algonquin Lane in the Stonetown section of Ringwood. Having just returned from a previous call in the Erskine section of Ringwood, RVFC#1 Tanker 262 immediately called into service with Safety Officer Robert Martino and a driver. Tanker 262 was the first emergency responder to arrive on the scene. Upon arrival Martino observed a 1 1/2 story wood frame constructed building with heavy smoke pushing from the eaves of the first floor. Martino immediately reported conditions and requested a full second alarm assignment and FAST team to the scene.
Tanker 262 deployed two 1 3/4" hand lines to the front door. Martino then attempted to ascertain if the dwelling was vacant from both the front door and the door into the basement from the garage where he was met with a heavy smoke condition. RVFC#1 Captain George Stout arrived on scene and assumed command while Erskine Lakes Assistant Chief Mike Smith arrived and assumed operations. Stout directed the next incoming engine, Erskine Lakes 241, to commence an interior attack.
He directed the second alarm mutual aid Tanker's 4 and 5 to the scene, as the Stonetown section has no hydrants, and directed Skyline Lakes Engine 252 to establish a draft at the Magee Road draft point. He directed second incoming engine, Erskine Lakes 243 to deploy a third 1 3/4" line from Tanker 262 to the basement. An aggressive interior attack encountered the root of the fire in the B side of the basement area. Exterior crews provided ventilation as the bulk of the basement fire was quickly knocked down.
Shortly after the interior attack began Stout requested a full third alarm assignment for additional manpower to the scene. Interior crews performed extensive overhaul to ensure there had been no extension to the first floor or attic space. There were no injuries during the call, however, the homeowner did lose 5 pets in the fire.
After the overhaul was completed the scene was turned over to the Ringwood Police for investigation. During this time Tanker 262 remained on scene to provide lighting and a back up hand line as a precaution.
