On Wednesday 1/13/16 @ 1519 hours Wicomico Central alerted Station's 5 (Hebron), 16 (Salisbury) and 9 (Mardela) for a reported Structure Fire. Responding crews were able to confirm a large smoke column visible from several miles away. Engine Tanker-5 arrived on location @ 1527 with a working fire in a one story single family dwelling, 515 (Beach) established Opal Circle command and requested an additional Tanker and Engine Tanker from Sta 12 (Westside) @ 1530 due to fire conditions. 

The crew from E/T-5 advanced a 200' 1 3/4 handline to the front door. Tanker 508 arrived @ 1528 and supplied E/T-5. Engine-16 arrived @ 1529 which split their crew and pulled a second line from E/T-5 to assist with extinguishment and placed a ground ladder to the side "A" roof for ventilation. Ventilation was  unsuccessful due to roof deterioration. Ladder-5 arrived @ 1539 and positioned the unit on side "A' for possible master stream operations.

At approximately 1542 command requested all personnel to evacuate the structure as well as an additional Engine Tanker to the scene from Sta 74 (Delmar) and a Engine stand-by @ Hebron from Sta 14 (Sharptown). Master stream operations were started in order to knock a bulk of the fire load. Due to crew fatigue and cold temperatures command had the stand-by crew from 14 respond to the scene and Sta 81 (Laurel, DE) for the stand-by.

The incident was placed under control @ 1621 and terminated @ 1812.

Units on scene: E/T-5, T-508, Ladder-5, Traffic Control-5, A-5, E-16, E/T-9, Tanker-9, E/T-1202, T-12, E/T-74-2, E-14

Video of the incident can be viewed by clicking the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_uA1_JkaUo