Possible Lightning Strike Brings First Due Town House Fire

The crew of Engine 511B was finishing dinner just before 2000 hrs on Friday, Aug. 15th, when the box alarm for 1129 was sounded for a townhouse fire in the 7900 block of Blue Gray Circle. E525B arrived on scene right in front of E511B and reported a light haze coming from the garage. E525B pulled the first line while E511B started opening up the wall in an attempt to find the source of the fire. Tower 525 was next to arrive on scene and started the primary search of the fire building to find the source of all the smoke. The home owners were already safely outside, but had to be reminded to stay outside several times.

Chief 501 arrived on scene and established Blue Gray Command followed by W501 who assumed the third engine RIT assignment. BC501 and BC504 arrived next and were assigned Divison A and B, respectively. At 2015 hrs with the source still unknown command requested a second alarm bringing units as far as Hillendale Blvd in Dale City. Ten minutes later the source was finally found in the floor behind the television in the A/B side on the first (entry) level which had burned through into the garage/basement level. With the fire contained with the help of the residential sprinkler system which had been activated, the second alarm assignment was placed in service. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the two occupants and their pets who had been displaced as a result of the fire.

By 2100 hrs Command started to release the first due units. E511B, E504B and E525B started to break lines down and pack up. By 2130 hrs C501 terminated command, and E511B cleared 30 minutes later. E525B was the last unit to clear at 2300hrs.