It was a fierce storm, lightning lit the dark night sky, jagged spears streaked across the sky, then from clouds straight down into the earth. One of the lightning spears struck a residence, fire erupted.
The call came in at 2139 hours on August 5, for fire through the roof in a residence on Broad Run Road, Goochland County (VA) .
Goochland dispatched 6 engines, 4 tankers, ladder trucks and recieved additional assistance from Rockville, Powhatan and Hollinsworth. Over 50 firefighters battled the blaze in the single family dwelling.
Phil Paquette, Goochland Fire Marshal, said the initial attack was interior. Fire was in the walls and extended into the second floor.
During the battle, Paquette explained, the roof collapsed.
"Two firefighters were hit in the head with sheet rock and debris," the Fire Marshal explained, "but they were okay. They were transported to the hospital just to be checked out, but they were released. They were okay because they were doing everything they were suppose to be doing and they were in full gear. Their gear protected them."
Firefighters then switched to defensive and hit the fire with ladder pipes and deck guns.
After the fire was surpressed, crews were able to help the family save a lot of their personal effects.
Another big plus in this fire, Paquette said, was that the Homeowner's Association had a dry hydrant placed in a nearby pond. That was a positive aspect for.
Goochland Officials stress safety at all times. "What the firefighters hear is this; if you have a cut on your hand, you better have a cut in your glove to match it. Safety rules are strictly enforced."
