Virginia Firefighters Face Rubbish Fire in Stiff Winds

Nov. 5, 2007

Winds were brisk in Chesterfield County at around 20 mph. Gusts packed a higher punch. The tone sounded around 0530 hours for brush fire at 2600 Drewry's Bluff Road on Nov. 3.

Engine 3 marked enroute as additional info came into dispatch. The call was now for fire in the woods behind a mobile home.

Scene upon arrival confirmed fire in the woods behind a mobile home, with nearby homes and vehicles as exposures. The area was heavily wooded and access challenging.

Engine 3 staged on Drewry's Bluff Road and lines were stretched deep into the woods. Fire assessment revealed a rubbish pile fire with abundant fire fuels such as logs, dried pine needles, dry leaves, trees, a parked hauling trailer and various discarded household items.

Winds were picking up and Engine 17 was dispatched to assist.

Crews surrounded the fire and launched an aggressive attack.

It was flames verus foam but firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control.

Overhaul was performed with chainsaws and rakes to check for hotspots.

Firefighters were able to safely protect all exposures.

Cause is under investigation.

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