Ocean
City-Wright Firefighters Respond to
Early Morning Fire
News Coverage Links:
~ NWF Daily News Coverage ~
Incident Photos from Ocean City-Wright Media Office:
~ Magnolia Fire Images ~
(Begin Press Release)
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 5th, 2010
Contact: OCWFCD, Public Information Officer
Contact Person: Capt. Ryan Christen
Company Name: Ocean City-Wright Fire Control District
Telephone Number: 850-862-1185
Ocean City-Wright Firefighters Respond to Early Morning Fire
At 5:58 A.M. this morning Ocean City-Wright fire fighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 48 Magnolia Ave. in the Poquito area of Shalimar. The initial 911 caller stated that his home was on fire. He advised he had tried to extinguish the fire, but was unsuccessful. He evacuated the house and reported that he was safe but his two cats were still inside.
Ocean City-Wright Battalion Chief Scott Funchess arrived on scene first and reported smoke showing from the residence. When the first company, Ocean City Truck Two, arrived on scene fire was visible coming from a back corner of the house. The crew of Truck Two immediately began an interior fire attack operation. Captain Bill Powell on Truck Two reported heavy smoke inside the structure and near zero visibility. Additional companies from Ocean City-Wright, Fort Walton Beach, and Eglin AFB arrived after Truck Two and assisted with fire attack and search operations.
The fire, which also extended into the attic of the home, was brought under control quickly by the responding fire fighters. No fire fighters were injured battling the fire. One cat died in the fire. The cat was found inside the home after the fire. PAWS was notified by Battalion Chief Terry Kline and requested to come out and assist with the animals. The second had not yet been located at the time of this release.
The State of Florida Fire Marshall’s Office has been notified and at the time of this release is conducting the investigation. Information is not yet available as to a possible cause of the fire. Damages to the home are estimated to be around $100,000.
Fires that get into attic areas often cause extensive damage. The fire can spread quickly and in some cases may go unnoticed until it has become a significant fire. Fires in attics require that firefighters enter the structure and use ceiling hooks and pike poles (6-8 foot poles with large metal hooks on the end) to open the ceiling and gain access to the fire. These crews are often operating directly below the fire in very hazardous conditions. The crews operating on scene this morning did a very good job at the fire. We are proud of the efforts of our fire fighters and the efforts of the other responding departments.
The investigation has not yet determined if the home had working smoke detectors. The Ocean City-Wright Fire Control District would like to remind everyone to ensure that they have properly working smoke detectors. If you do not, we will gladly install one in your home. This is a service we provide to the citizens of our district to further ensure their safety. If you live in the Ocean City-Wright District and need a smoke detector installed please call Station One at 862-1185.
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(Press Release is finished)
For additional
information, Contact:
Capt. Ryan Christen
OCW Public Information Officer
Photos available soon at: www.ocwfcd.org