The winds howled and the tones sounded, "Engine 15,Brush 11," the scanner traffic crackled, "9200 Salem Church road for a brush fire."
On Feb 19, 1430 hours, in Chesterfield County, crews were not merely responding to a brush fire, but a brush fire that was being pushed from the high winds. Embers were lifted and tossed by the blustery gusts.
First on scene was Tactical Safety Officer Lt. Steve Traylor who reported fire in the woods. Also responding was Richard Reuse of VDOF.
Crews arrived and went head to head with fire in a field that was littered with dry leaves, parched earth and surrounded by heavy woods. Sustained winds were 20-25 mph with gusts of 40 mph. Multiple exposures of nearby homes, civilian vehicles and a school were a cause for concern.
Brush 11 entered the field. Firefighters quickly stretched handlines and went to work. After knock-down was accomplished, overhaul was done with poles and rakes to check for hotspots. The area was foamed to prevent rekindle.
All exposures were protected from damage and no injuries were reported.
The fire has been deemed suspicious and is under investigation.
