Goochland Firefighters sprang into action on Tuesday, January 24, when the tone sounded announcing a structure fire at 13000 Beckford Lane around 1418 hours.
Goochland Fire Chief Ken Brown said initial responding stations included Manakin Co #1, Crozier Co #2 and Centerville Co #3. Chief Brown was Commanding Officer and Goochland Deputy Chief Wayne Allen was in charge of Interior Command.
The challenges: The structure was a two story plus basement and walk-in attic, 5,000 square feet. Heavy fire raged on side "Bravo". Thick black smoke filled the entire structure, including vents and all floor levels.
A mutual aid call was issued and resulted in Henrico Fire Division responding with: Engine 17, Squad 13 and Battalion 1 (Battalion Chief Jody Griggs).
Upon arrival, Squad 13 became the RIT and suited up into full gear, then entered the dwelling.
Engine 12 from Manakin Co #1 provided initial line for RIT.
Initial attack lines were 1 3/4 lines.
Gated Y was used to provide water supply because of long driveway.
A gas powered fan was placed on "A" side of the structure.
A special call was issued and Courthouse Co #5 responded. The company included an aerial ladder. Upon arrival the initial apparatus was repostioned to allow for aerial ladder access.
During the RIT advance, Engine 17's crew made entry. They discovered heavy smoke conitions on the first floor and heavy fire on the second floor. They began ventilation and pulled ceilings.
Low air alarms began sounding on E-17's crew so a Goochland crew entered the dwelling and they switched off. E-17 refilled the air bottles and after a brief rehab session once again entered the building.
During the fire attack the owner approached the firefighters and declared his dog unaccounted for and that he was most likely in the building.
Lt. Dan Swartz and Firefighter Mike Wright asked Battalion Chief Griggs for permission to re-enter the building and search for the man's dog. Grigg's gave his approval and the firefighters initiated a search that lead to a smoke filled basement.
The canine was discovered motionless in a corner. The firefighters quickly carried the dog outside. Swartz initiated rescue breathing on the small dog by holding his mouth shut and blowing in the dog's nostrils.
Firefighter Wright began doing mini-chest compressions. The dog made a slight movement and firefighters continued to monitor his condition and rub his small body. The dog began to revive and even wagged his tail at the firefighters once. Firefighters rushed the dog to a nearby vet who placed him on medication and treated him for smoke inhalation.
Firefighters visited the dog the next day and he was active in his yard.
Chief Ken Brown said he was pleased with all the firefighter's efforts. Extensive salvage work was done, Brown said. There was a lot of expensive furniture in the home and there mininal losses because of the quick,intense work of the teams.
Goochland's responding companies were all volunteers and Brown said they had good turnout of manpower.
Brown said Henrico and Goochland's combined teams performed in an excllent manner.
The last unit cleared the scene at 1902 hours. The cause is under investigation.
