JANUARY 4 — At about 17:48, Engine and Squad 1 were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 3400 block of Webster Street, Co. 55’s area.
Engine 855 arrived on the scene of a two-story duplex with smoke showing from the top floor.
Engine 801, responding as second due, picked up E855’s line. Engine 855 reported back limited access due to extreme hoarder’s conditions (pictured). Engine 801’s crew advanced a line up a ladder to the front window to attack the fire, working with units from all companies on a coordinated operation.
Squad 801 arrived just behind Truck 809 (Bladensburg) and was assigned the responsibilities of the second due special service. The squad crew split into two teams, one gaining entry through the front door along with the line from Company 9 while the second went to the Delta exposure to breach a wall to assist in gaining access to the fire. The squad crew conducted a full search of the residence.
Units from Bunker Hill (55), Bladensburg (9), Hyattsville, Chillum (44) and College Park (12) operated. Chief 9B had the command.
Crews from all companies worked diligently to access all possible fire and completed extensive overhaul operations in fairly extreme conditions.
As HVFD crews were returning to service, final efforts were undertaken by first due crews to completely secure all potential fire hazards from the home, with an assist from Foam 12 in College Park (See Video below)
Here’s a good article about hoarding and fire safety. Firefighters have to be prepared for any condition when they arrive on the scene and hoarding conditions definitely add a very challenging and dangerous element.
Links for Firefighters & Hoarding Responses:
- Six tips to help you identify a hoarder fire (IAFF)
- Maneuvering Hoselines at Hoarder Home Fire (Firehouse)
- 3 Tips on Hoarding Discovery (Views from the Jump Seat)
Billy McNeel Photo
