| County 911 received multiple calls reporting a residential fire with several explosions.
While Quint 17 and Engine Tanker 17 were en route, it remained unclear if there were any confirmed entrapments; however, a vehicle was observed in the driveway, suggesting possible occupants inside. Upon arrival, Company 57 was deploying hand lines to initiate fire suppression on the Alpha side of the structure (A = front of the house). A crew of five members from Morris Township gained entry through a doorway on the Delta side and began primary search operations. During the search, fire suppression continued however, the fire had rapidly intensified, leading to a significant increase in interior temperatures and clear signs of an impending flashover. Evacuation tones were sounded, and crews were ordered to exit the structure. As Station 17 personnel retreated, fire conditions worsened, and the two rooms just searched experienced a complete flashover. (Flashover: the near-simultaneous ignition of almost all combustible materials in an enclosed area).
Within minutes, additional lines were put into service knocking the bulk of the fire, enabling crews to resume internal fire suppression efforts and re-enter the structure. Unfortunately, a partial collapse of the second floor into the main level forced crew members to withdraw once again. Due to compromised structural integrity, operations transitioned to a defensive attack.
Once conditions permitted, crews re-entered the structure to coordinate a recovery operation. During overhaul and recovery efforts, members located a deceased occupant. Crews from multiple agencies operated for approximately six hours. |
