On the early morning hours of September 27, a call was received by Tallahassee dispatch of a possible house fire seen by a passing motorist. Engine 9, Engine 7, Truck 2 and Division 1 were on the initial dispatch. While in route reports came in of the house being fully involved, so division 1 ordered a second alarm, consisting of Tanker 1, and Engine 1.
Upon arrival Engine 9 found heavy fire conditions with the roof of the structure completely gone. Neighbors reported that the owner and his three year old son might be inside. The closest hydrant was over 1700 feet away and 5 inch was dropped for supply.
The stubborn fire was finally brought under control about 30 minutes later with the help of engine 9 50 ft squirt. The entire house was searched with no occupants found. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Tallahassee Fire Department is a paid full time department with close to 300 members. The department runs fire service for city of Tallahassee and Leon county with 15 fire stations. Currently the department runs first response BLS with hopes of expanding to ALS within the coming year.
