Chatham County, Ga. – Southside Fire and Garden City Fire responded to a reported structure fire on the afternoon of Tues., June 15, 2010. Savannah Metro Communications received multiple calls of a house fire on the 800 block of Southbridge Blvd. One of the 911 callers, who was a passerby, saw fire coming from the roof and alerted the occupants of the home.
After dispatch, responding units reported seeing heavy smoke from their stations. Garden City Fire Chief J. Crosby was on the first arriving unit, which reported a massive blaze.
Southside Engine 12 and Ladder 12, along with Garden City engines and a ladder, arrived and started placing lines in service. Lt. Blackston and Paramedic Tommy Parker began truck company operations. Engine 12 put its deck gun to work while additional career and volunteer staff continued arriving to make an aggressive attack. However, interior crews were immediately pulled due to the roof collapsing. An additional line was laid to cool a propane tank adjoining the home.
Rehab was brought in for the firefighters during the 113 heat-index day. Southside paramedics started IV lines on a few of the first-arriving firefighters due to the heat. SSFD Ladder 7 was brought in to assist in hitting hot spots throughout the evening while others searched for a missing dog.
The home is believed to have been struck by lightning.
