Explosive device forces evacuation
01/02/12 15:01 Filed in: Eureka Fire Department
On January 31, 2012 at 7:04pm four engines and two duty officers responded to a structure fire in the 200 block of Church Street. The first-arriving engine reported one patient in the alley and a two-story apartment with heavy fire and black smoke coming from the alley-side of the structure.
The fire was initially controlled within 20 minutes and was contained to a single apartment with crews performing fire attack, ventilation, search and RIC functions. The apartment's two residents were able to escape the flames before firefighters arrived but suffered significant burns and were transported to St. Joesph Hospital.
The initial fire was knocked down within 15 minutes and firefighters began overhaul and salvage operations when a possible explosive device was located in a closet. All firefighters were evacuated from the building and the Sherriff's Bomb Squad was requested. The forced evacuation caused interior firefighting operations to be discontinued and consequently the fire grew over a two hour period, extending throughout the entire apartment complex and adjoining house. Fire crews had to perform exterior attacks to knock the fire back until a bomb technician was finally able to enter the structure and remove the explosive device. Firefighters were then able to reenter the structure and control the fire. Firefighters remained at the location for over six hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Losses are estimated to be $2,000,000 for the structure and $100,000 for the contents.
The fire was initially controlled within 20 minutes and was contained to a single apartment with crews performing fire attack, ventilation, search and RIC functions. The apartment's two residents were able to escape the flames before firefighters arrived but suffered significant burns and were transported to St. Joesph Hospital.
The initial fire was knocked down within 15 minutes and firefighters began overhaul and salvage operations when a possible explosive device was located in a closet. All firefighters were evacuated from the building and the Sherriff's Bomb Squad was requested. The forced evacuation caused interior firefighting operations to be discontinued and consequently the fire grew over a two hour period, extending throughout the entire apartment complex and adjoining house. Fire crews had to perform exterior attacks to knock the fire back until a bomb technician was finally able to enter the structure and remove the explosive device. Firefighters were then able to reenter the structure and control the fire. Firefighters remained at the location for over six hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Losses are estimated to be $2,000,000 for the structure and $100,000 for the contents.