| On December 17, 2008, at 0641 hours, Company 6 units were dispatched to a reported "WORKING HOUSE FIRE" on Potomac River Drive, Cobb Island. Chief 6A and Rescue/Engine 62 went on the scene side "A" Alpha with heavy smoke and fire conditions. Rescue/Engine 62 laid out at Potomac River Drive and Cypress Drive. Chief 6A established the Cobb Island Command. Chief 6 arrived shortly thereafter and assumed command with Past Chief Hess assisting as logistics. After a quick size up by Chief 6A, the entry team attempted to put a knock on the fire.
A walk around evaluation of the scene was conducted and on side "C" Charlie, it was evident the fire had vented through the roof, pushing the fire through the home and into the attic area. There was a steady 10 to 15 mph steady wind off the Potomac River feeding this fire which was spreading rapidly throughout this old structure. While the interior firefighting operation was going on, Chief 6B arrive on location.
Knowing the occupant, an elderly female was unaccounted for from all information given to the responding units, Chief 6A made contact with the homeowner at a neighbor's residence to assure there was no one else in the structure.
Chief 6A managed exterior operations of side "A" Alpha while Chief 6B managed side "C" Charlie. After approximately 15 min. of interior firefighting, it was determined the structural integrity of the residence had been compromised. Chief 6A asked for the evacuation tone to be sounded and all personnel were accounted for. The incident turned into a defensive exterior attack.
Boat 6 was summonsed and arrived on location and established a secondary and unlimited water supply to the fire ground operations. After the water supply was safely re-established, it was determined that the interior firefighting could resume, and all further fire operations would resume from side "C" Charlie and the fire was brought under control. After a lengthy clean up, all remaining units were placed in service at 1212 hours. Representatives from the Maryland State Fire Marshall's Office responded and initiated an investigation into the origin and cause.
The Cobb Island Volunteer Fire & EMS would like thank the other responding stations who provided support and mutual aid: Newburg VFD, Bel Alton VFD, La Plata VFD, King George Station 2, Dahlgren Fire Department, Hughesville VFD and the Bryans Road VFD who were filling in for Station 14. Ultimately this event was brought to a conclusion and the most important fact is there were no firefighter or EMS injuries and "EVERYBODY WENT HOME SAFELY". |
