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On April 19, 2005 at 12:10
p.m., the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to 7
Heritage Lane for a structure fire. The smell of smoke alerted
the two occupants who then discovered a heavy smoke condition
throughout the home. Both fortunately escaped unharmed.
The first units arrived within
minutes of the initial dispatch and found a large volume of fire
in the center section of the home. Personnel immediately
deployed several hand lines and a water supply was quickly
established. Exterior crews worked to knock-down the main body
of fire as interior crews fought aggressively to stop the fire's
progress and save the main section of the home. The roof was
ordered ventilated to help halt the spread of the flames, but
had to be abandoned because conditions became unsafe.
A request was transmitted to
Avon, Bloomfield and Lost Acres fire departments to provide standby coverage for the town as
all available Simsbury units were operating at the scene. Mutual
aid units were later called to the scene as the amount of work
and the hot day had taken their toll, and additional manpower
was needed for relief.
While the structure suffered
extensive damage, the main living area of the home was largely
saved due to the hard work of the personnel who responded that
day.
Even with the main body of fire knocked-down, the flames continue to try and extend via the cockloft. Operating from a roof ladder, Firefighter Peter Juda prepares to cut a hole in the roof to help ventilate the smoke and heat. Smoke shows from the ridge and gable vents indicating that fire may have extended into the attic. Retired Chief Mike Juda lends a hand on Engine 8's pump panel. Mutual aid personnel were of great assistance in helping Simsbury fight the fire. Departmental Chief James Baldis is assisted by Junior Firefighter Chris Mathiason in tracking personnel. Junior Firefighter Maggie Boudreau and Firefighter Scott Lapointe man a hose line in the rear of the structure. Still smoldering, crews work to overhaul the front of the structure. Lieutenant Mark Jacobs overhauls a room on the second floor. The danger of collapse made extinguishing the garage difficult. A crew repositions to fight a fire that has dropped-down from the space above.
Even with the main body of fire knocked-down, the flames continue to try and extend via the cockloft.
Photographs by
Chris Gordon
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