Somewhere in the midst of the thick smoke flames were raging inside the abandoned school, Hopewell firefighters had their work cut out for them.
Tones sounded at 1720 hours on April 13, for possible structure fire at 1201 City Point. As more information was dispatched the call was confirmed as a structure fire and all Hopewell fire stations were dispatched.
First on scene reported fire beginning to vent from boarded up windows and heavy smoke conditions in the three story building.
A mutual aid call was dispatched and Fort Lee Engine 6, Prince George Truck 1 and Prince George Engines 110 and 160 responded. Prince George Company 5-Jefferson Park performed a station fill in.
"It was zero visibility," said Acting Battalion Chief Donny Hunter. "It was a challenge finding the fire through the heavy blanket of smoke."
Five inch supply line was laid and ready. Hunter said the boards were removed from the windows and the fire attack began with multiple hand lines. Skylights were opened for ventilation but no cutting was done.
Hunter said the fire was marked under control in about an hour and a half.
After the fire was extinquished fans were also used for ventilation.
The fire has been rulled as suspicious and is under investigation.
