The night was dark and still, tones pierced the air at 0339 hours on June 24 and a box alarm sounded. Richmond crews were ready.
The call was for a structure fire at 3510 Lochinvar and the blaze had a fiery grip, its destructive fingers deep into the home and the flames were spreading at a fast clip.
First on scene was Quint 25 who reported seeing flames and smoke above the trees as they approached the area. Fire was through the roof and showing from multiple windows.
A second alarm was declared.
The residents were able to escape, but not because of smoke alarms. A woman occupant had been sleeping, had awoken and heard the fire popping and cracking.
Richmond firefighters launched an aggressive interior attack, hitting the beast hard with multiple hand lines. The engines pumped hard supplied by 4 inch line. The fire was too advanced, crews were withdrawn and continued the all out battle with exterior operations. After a large knock down,crews re-entered the home and continued the interior attack.
The roof was gone and the home gutted but the adjacent homes were all protected.
Crews responding included: Quint 25, Quint 23, Quint 20, Quint 24, Quint 19, Quint 12, Rescue 3, Rescue 2, West End Volunteer Rescue Squad, Richmond Ambulance Authority, Richmond Fire Department Chaplain Reverend Bruce Gray, multiple Battalion Chiefs, Lt. Michael Oprandy PIO and Richmond Fire Chief Robert Creecy. Fire investigators also responded.
The home is a total loss and the cause is under investigation.
