Tuesday, February 19th, 2013 at 2:41am, St. Stephens Fire Department responded to a possible working structure fire in the Spring Haven subdivision. The communication center advised that according to the caller, there may still be occupants inside the structure. The first arriving firefighter arrived six minutes after dispatch and found a split level residence involved with heavy with fire on the main level. Fire was through the roof on the entire structure. The first arriving engine layed off 125ft. of 5in. supply line from a nearby hydrant. Due to the volume of fire, the primary attack line was a 2.5in. hand line backed up by two 1.5in hand lines. Primary fire attack was in offensive mode due to the volume of the fire and the instability of the structure. It was confirmed within a few minutes of arriving on the scene that all occupants were out of the structure. A control time was issued 50 minutes after dispatch. It was then that fire crews placed a hand line inside the residence to further extinguish hot-spots.
The 1600 sq ft. split level structure was considered a total loss. St. Stephens Fire Department responded with a total of four fire apparatus, and 19 fire personal. Oxford Fire Department was requested and responded with manpower to assist in the extinguishment efforts. Catawba County Sheriffs Office responded to assist with scene and crowd control. Duke Energy was requested to expedite due to a live power line down that had burned away from the house and was in the fire attack area. American Red Cross responded to assist the family of the residence. Catawba County EMS was on the scene to assist with firefighter rehab and to evaluate the occupants of the structure. Catawba County Fire Marshals Office responded to assist with the fire investigation. Fire units were on the scene for five hours and twenty-one minutes. No injuries were reported.
Units:
Engine 41, Engine 45, Truck 42, Truck 46, FMO unit 2, 3, and 4. CCEMS, Red Cross, CCSO.