Chesterfield, Virginia firefighters began their day on Tuesday, Dec 19, silhouetted by the light of a raging two alarmer. The call was dispatched at 0630 hours.
A nearby resident called in the fire to 911, saying that a building had flames coming though its roof.
Chesterfield Fire and EMS were immediately on the way.
Location was 12530 Ironbridge Road, an office park with multiple adjoining structures. Resident homes were located hundreds of feet away behind a wooden privacy fence border.
The first alarm call dispatched: Engines 1 (Chester), 14 (Dutch Gap), 17 (Centralia), Rescue 14 (Dutch Gap), Truck 3 (Bensley), Medic 17 (Centralia)
Arriving crews discovered one business 50 percent involved and rapidly spreading to adjoining structures.
A search for occupants in the structures revealed one person and he was quickly evacuated. His structure which was a live-in office was not on fire.
A second alarm was declared at 0640 hours and additional dispatched included: Engines 15 (Airport) and E-11 (Dale), Truck 7 (Cloverhill), Medic 15 (Airport), TSU-Mobile Command Post, P-19, Airport Foam unit also responded.
On scene were Division Commander Chief Mark Sacra, Battalion Chiefs Paul Newton, David Throckmorton and Robbie Dawson. Tactical Safety Officer John Crosby handled the TSO issues.
A Signal 15 Bravo was declared.
Supply lines of 3 inch and 5 inch were laid. Initial attack lines were 1 3/4 inch, with additional 2 inch stretched.
The initial fire attack was aggressive. A master stream was used by Truck 3 (Bensley). Investigation into the businesses revealed one business housed pesticides. Firefighters were pulled back and water flow to the fire on that building was suspended.
Fire suppression continued on the adjoining structures as the hazardous material business building was allowed to burn for firefighter and environmental safety.
The EPA was was notified, they responded and monitored the operation after the discovery of chemicals.
When it was deemed safe, the chemical hazards building was foamed to prevent water runoff.
Fire was marked under control at 0755 hours.
The fire is under investigation. Four business were lost, two experienced power losses.
