On the afternoon of Monday, Feb. 8, 2010, Stratmoor Hills Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire.
Crews arrived on scene to a single story duplex with fire from the rear of one unit. It was determined that an advanced fire was in the attached garage and was blowing from a rear door left open with exposure to the eves and roof. Both units were charged with smoke, with some fire extension into the living space of the fire unit.
E410 (crew of 3 including Chief 400) and E412 (crew of 2) established command and were assigned to fire attack, with a line to the interior and a second line to the garage exterior, opening up the garage, water supply and vertical vent.
Next-in unit R425 (crew of 3) arrived and was assigned to primary search. Mutual aid was requested during the initial size-up and an engine and truck responded from a neighboring department. They were assigned to staff a backup line and overhaul.
The fire was knocked down and vertical vent and primary search were completed in less than 10 minutes after the arrival of the initial units. A snowstorm slowed response times and hindered operations on scene. The lack of drywall in the ceiling and back wall of the garage contributed to the advanced fire spread into the roof, as did a venting propane tank. A dog and a cat were removed from the units and returned to their owners.
