On Oct. 1 at 6:49 a.m., the Charleston Fire Department in Illinois was dispatched to a structure fire just six blocks from Station #1. Mattoon Fire was also dispatched with their RIT team.
The fire came in at shift change that allowed both crews to respond on the initial response. Captain Beabout reported the enclosed front porch fully involved.
Chiefs Phipps took command. The fire was given a quick knock from the crew with a deck gun and then a 1 hand line was pulled.
The blaze on the porch was extinguished but the fire had advanced into the attic. A crew was sent to the roof to vent and after ventilation was completed, heavy fire conditions forced them off.
The home also had shake shingles that gave the fuel needed for the fire to rapidly extend throughout the entire attic. It was confirmed that the home was vacant.
After the crew of Truck 309 extinguished most of the fire using a master stream, others entered a safe portion of the home to overhaul any hot spots.
All units cleared the scene by 8:52 a.m. Investigators determined that it was an arson.
