Virginia Firefighters Tackle Townhouse Blaze in High Heat

July 3, 2006
Arriving responders initiated a search through the inferno because it was unclear if anyone was home.

Temperatures were 90 plus with humidity pushing the readings to 100 plus when the call came in for structure fire at 3624 Luckylee Crescent around 1930 hours on July 1, 2006.

Lt. Pete Hypes of Chesterfield Fire and EMS said first on scene crews reported heavy fire showing.

Arriving responders initiated a search through the inferno because it was unclear if anyone was home. It was also reported that an animal was possibly inside.

An aggressive fire attack was launched.

Responding were: Bensley (#3), Centralia (#17), Dale (#11), Manchester (#2), Buford (#9) stations along with DSCR (Defense Supply Center Richmond) (on a Mutual Call for assistance). Airport (Station 15) did a move up-fill in at Dale. Battalion 1 (Acting Chief Captain Joe Thomas) and Battalion 3 (David Bailey) were in command. TSO was on scene, medics and air utility. Lt. Pete Hypes performed PIO duties.

Adjacent apartments were evacuated.

Fire walls prevented the fire from spreading to the adjacent dwellings but some light smoke damage was done.

Rehab was initiated due to extreme temperatures and the energy toll on firefighters.

Fire was marked under control at 8 pm.

A feline's body was later recovered from inside the charred apartment.

The townhouse was gutted. The Fire Marshal is investigating the cause.

Two adults resided at the residence.

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