Engine 343 runs first due apartment fire with rescues - Chillum-Adelphi Volunteer Fire Department | Volunteer Firefighter Opportunities Available, Donate Today (original) (raw)

At approximately 2030 on Saturday May 9, Company 34 was alerted to the 2100 block of Guilford Road for the apartment fire. Engine Company 343 responded to the first due call with a crew of 6, and was notified while en route that people were reported trapped in the building.

On arrival, E343 found a three-story garden style apartment with fire showing from the 3rd story windows on the Alpha and Bravo side. E343 immediately began stretching the 250’ pre-connected attack line and extinguishing the two-bedroom fire, while the barman began assisting with search efforts.

While searching an exposure apartment on the fire floor, E343’s barman located a one year-old child and mother who were unable to evacuate due to heat and smoke filling the interior stairwell. The barman isolated the victims in the bedroom farthest from the origin of the fire and wrapped the child in a blanket. He then cleared a window while the exterior crew placed a ladder evacuate the mother and child. Both were then safely escorted down the ladder and transported to the hospital for a check-up.

E343 moved quickly to make an aggressive stop on the fire just as it was beginning to spread the attic. Crews operated for approximately 4 hours before returning to quarters.

Great work by Engine Company 343 and the other units that responded to the call!