On August 1st, 2004, at approximately 11:59 a.m., the Bellevue Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at a rental business at 801 FCRN. The first arriving fire units reported heavy smoke, and that they had a working fire. The initial response was met with two district fire stations, which included two engine companies, one aerial truck, and a rescue squad. The first units attempted an interior attack of the fire, but were driven back by intense heat, and the collapse of an interior wall. Shortly after the initial alarm, a second alarm was sounded, which brought an additional two aerial trucks, one engine company, and a rescue squad, and utility truck. Two fire investigators also responded to the scene.
In addition to fire suppression, firefighters also began evacuation of an apartment complex, located approximately 10 feet from the rear of the structure. Due to the 93 degree temperatures, a third alarm was sounded for mutual aid. The cities of LaVista, Springfield, and Plattsmouth, Ne. answered the call with personnel and equipment. Firefighters had difficulty in getting to the main fire, which was located in the center of the metal frame structure. The fire extended up into the steel truss roof, which threatened the collapse of the roof, which prevented firefighters from entering the structure. A fourth alarm was sounded, and the cities of Omaha, Ralston, and Gretna, Ne. responded with additional manpower, and equipment. In all, over 100 firefighters were involved in this operation. Firefighters had to be rotated on a continuous basis, due to the extreme temperatures and humidity.
With the fire continuing to burn in the center of the structure, heavy equipment was brought in to demolish a portion of the building, so that firefighters could get to the fire. After 5, and one half hours, the fire was declared under control. An estimated one million gallons of water was used to extinguish the blaze. During the fire, five firefighters sustained injuries. One with broken bones to a hand, due to a wall collapsing onto the firefighter, and the other four were treated for heat exhaustion. Four civilians were also injured; one was treated for minor burns, and the others for smoke inhalation. Fire investigators report that the fire was caused by a spark, which ignited a truck inside the business, which was being fueled by an employee of the business.
