Charlotte Fire Department

On April 25^th at 9:10 p.m. the Charlotte Fire Department Communications Center dispatched an assignment for a vehicle on fire next to a structure at 5811 Amity Springs Drive. Rescue 3 which was returning to quarters from a previous assignment was in close proximity to the location and self-dispatched. Rescue 3 was first on the scene and reported a working vehicle fire with flames extending into a garage of a three-story condominium complex.

Rescue 3’s personnel committed to a primary search of the fire unit and the attached unit next to the fire unit. They made an attempt to extinguish the fire with 2 water cans with no visible results. Engine 23 was next to arrive and established a water supply from a hydrant about 1 block away and stretched a 1 ¾ attack line. E-14 arrived and stretched a second 1 ¾ attack line; Rescue 3’s personnel teamed with E-23 & E-14’s crews to man the attack lines. Both attack lines went in an exterior door and initiated a fire attack. Once the major body of the fire was knocked down, E-14 & Rescue 3’s crew advanced an attack line upstairs to check for extension. Ladder 4 arrived and was given the assignment of ventilation; Battalion 5 arrived and assumed command.

Due to the complexity of the structure as well as at least ¾ of the first arriving companies had just responded from previous working fire a 2^nd Alarm assignment was requested at 9:26 p.m. This three-story property possessed a variety of roof lines, peaks, pitches, attics, and areas for which the fire to both run and hide. The fire attack was sustained and a thorough overhaul was completed while using the first arriving and additional companies. A control time was given at 10:02 p.m. The total heated area of these four units, along with the dual attached garages is approximately 10,000 sq. ft. Due to the aggressive actions of the first arriving companies the majority of damage was limited to the vehicle, garage, and the fixed portions of the structure in the A Division on two floors.