On Friday, July 31, 2009, shortly after 1900 hrs, tones were dropped for a structure fire in the 3800 block of Graham Park Road. As units began their response, PW Communications advised that PD were on scene advising that the structure was "fully involved".

Battalion Chief 507 (Hoffman) arrived on the scene and established command with a 2 story single family home with a working basement fire. Smoke was showing from all levels and all sides. The occupant stated he had tried to put the fire out prior to the arrival of the first units and had already evacuated all persons.

Based on the fire's location in an unfinished cellar (with unprotected structural members), a defensive attack was initiated through a cellar door on side Charlie by Engine 503's crew. Engine 517 arrived and picked up the water supply and assisted with pulling a second line. Engine 510 was assigned to R.I.T. Rescue 510 and Engine 512 started to open up the structure.

Battalion 505 arrived and took charge of Operations. Tower 512 and Rescue 532 were then assigned to open the roof based on smoke conditions and the concern of "balloon frame construction".

No fire was located in the attic and additional crews were used to open up interior walls. A small pocket of fire continued to burn on the Alpha/Delta side because of a large amount of combustibles stored in the area.

The first floor area above the fire and the interior stairs to the basement were ordered off limits due to structural instability. Engine 518 also assisted with exterior operations and crews were rotated through a rehab area because of the heat concerns.

The Fire Marshal's office was requested and they arrived on the scene to assist as well. Three adults were subsequently displaced as a result of the fire. The house was later condemned by the Town of Dumfries Building Officials.
 

Rescue 532 - Capt. G. Lewis, Sgt. D. Richardson, F/F J. Minter, and F/F H. Larrick

(Article and photos courtesy Dumfires-Triangle Vol. Fire Dept)

Side A upon arrival

Side A

Crews from OWL & Quantico venting the roof/attic area

Captain Lewis