April 14, 2014 – RVFD and MCFRS units were dispatched at 9:10a for a reported building fire in the 1000 block of Taft St. While units were responding, Montgomery County 911 dispatch reported multiple calls indicating a working fire and they were sending the rapid intervention dispatch.
First arriving units reported heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear of a one-story carpentry shop. A task force was requested. Shortly after units arrived, a flashover occurred. A flashover is a dangerous event that occurs when fresh air is introduced into a room or building where super heated smoke and toxins have been building up. When the flashover occurred, almost the entire interior of the structure lit on fire. Command ordered an exterior, defensive attach with master streams. Command then requested a second alarm.
Units set up master streams from engines, aerial towers and trucks. Within several minutes, the building’s roof collapsed into the structure. Soon after, a portion of the exterior wall also collapsed. Units were on the scene for several hours wetting down the building. There were no injuries reported. The preliminary investigation indicated the cause of the fire was sparks from carpentry tools.
Units responding: E703, E723, E732, E721, E733, AT703, AT723, A723 B/C 703, B/C704
Rapid intervention: RS742B, T725, M742
Task force: E725, E728, T740, Air 733, Canteen 733.
For more photos from the scene, visit RVFD Photographer Beverly Jensen’s web site.
