The rain was coming down in torrents. Lightning lit up the darkness and Chesterfield County was under a tornado watch. The fire department was under a Signal 15 Bravo on May 11. Trees and lines fell across the county, firefighters were responding to one call after another.
It was the Enon area, Appomattox Street, 1900 hours, a huge tree came crashing down bringing down with live wires with it. The tree fell onto an occupied house partially collapsing the roof, taking down a porch. The live wires were draped across the tree and several vehicles were in the driveway. The situation was treacherous.
Enon Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched with Engine 6, Engine 206 and Brush 6.
"The tree was a monster in size at least four foot in diameter," said Enon District Chief Bruce Vecchioni. "The wires were live and we had several residents in the home, one of them elderly."
A size up was quickly accomplished. "The best option at the time, "Vecchioni explained, "was to not attempt to bring out the residents until the power was cut."
Enon Volunteer Firefighter Russell White III entered the home through a side window to check on the residents and to reassure them. After it was confirmed the residents were okay, just frightened and unable to escape, Firefighter White remained in the home with them while Dominion Virginia Power responded a crew to cut the power. Before the power company crew arrived, the wind pulled the line away from the tranformer and the power went out.
"With the power out," Vecchioni said, "our crew then began immediate removal of the residents. Entry was made in the back of the house and the residents taken out. The elderly citizen was on multiple medications and fiefighters went into the home and gathered them for her, along with a few extra things for the family to help them through the night."
Truck 14 responded to cover the home with a tarp to prevent further damage.
The District Chief said a son-in-law came on scene and took the family to his home.
