| Thursday, April 11th, 2013 at 2:53pm, St. Stephens Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in Canterbury Park. The communication center advised, while in route, that several callers were reporting the fire from within the neighborhood. Heavy black smoke could be seen from St. Stephens Fire Department Headquarters. The first fire engine arrived at 2:55pm to confirm a working structure fire on a single level wood frame structure. The structure was approx. 75 percent involved with fire and heavy fire was showing throughout the entire roof. The first arriving fire engine deployed a 3in. hand line with an unmanned blitz attack nozzle in the front yard and a 1 1/2in. hand line to the front door. The second due engine had an assignment to lay a 5" supply line from a hydrant to supply water to the primary engine and deploy the deck gun to help minimize exposure damage. Primary fire attack was in offensive mode due to the volume of the fire and the instability of the structure. Once the heavy volume of fire was suppressed, fire crews made an interior attack and the back up team conducted a primary search for occupants. It was confirmed within a few minutes of making entry in to the structure that no occupants were home at the time of the fire and the occupant was on his way to the scene. A control time was issued 20 minutes after dispatch. It was then that fire crews placed 2 1 1/2in. hand lines inside the residence to further extinguish hot-spots.
The 1100 sq. ft. structure was considered a total loss. St. Stephens Fire Department responded with a total of three fire apparatus, and 12 fire personal. Oxford Fire Department was requested and responded with manpower to assist in the extinguishment efforts. Hickory Fire was requested to stand by at St. Stephens Fire station one for coverage in the St. Stephens Fire District. Duke Energy was requested to respond to secure the electric meter to the residence. Catawba County EMS and Hickory Rescue was on the scene to assist with firefighter rehab. Catawba County Fire Marshals Office responded to assist with the fire investigation. Fire units were on the scene for two hours and thirty-three minutes. No injuries were reported. |
