On August 3, 2004, at 5:47 AM, the Henderson Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire.
Upon arrival, Captain Sean McKeon (Engine 94) reported heavy fire showing from a duplex type occupancy. An exterior attack was ordered utilizing Master Streams and 2-1/2 inch hose lines. It was reported early on that the single occupant of the home had escaped.
Once the fire had been knocked down, it was discovered that approximatley half of one of the duplex units was destroyed. It was determined that some type of explosion had occurred, causing extensive damage to the garage and second story Master Bedroom area of the home. Heavy fire damage was sustained to the remainder of the one duplex unit with no damage to the other unit.
The fire was extinguished in approximatley 45 minutes with two small natural gas fires continuing to burn for another hour in the front yard area of the home. There were 28 fire personnel on scene, manning four engines, two rescues, one truck, one truck tender, one Battalion Chief unit and one Fire Investigator unit.
The subsequent fire investigation determined that a separated 1" natural gas line had separated underneath the driveway to the home. Once this occurred the natural gas then leaked into the garage and, eventually, found an ignition source, probably the gas hot water heater. The occupant sustained minor injuries and is lucky to have survived.
