Home»Fire Incidents»2010 Incidents»2nd Alarm Pawtucket, RI 289 West Ave January 25, 2010

PAWTUCKET, RI - Engines 1, 2, 5, Tower Ladder 1, Rescue 1, and the Battalion Chief responded to 289 West Ave for a reported structure fire. The firefighters from Station 1 didn't have far to respond, their firehouse is located 4 blocks south on West Ave. Engine 1 arrived to find smoke showing from the #3 floor of a 3sty "taxpayer". The first floor was occupied by the International Hair Design Salon with 2 apartments above on the second and third floors. All occupants were initially reported out on arrival but reports of a possible missing party on the upper floors was given to command. Engine 1 and Rescue 1 stretched in an attack line through the side 4 entry way to the third floor. As companies reached the fire floor, the smoke banked down to the floor boards making visibility impossible. The bulk of the heavy fire was located in a bedroom on the 1-2 corner of the structure. The fire extended into the attic space above the fire room. Command requested and extra engine to the scene due to the heavy smoke condition emitting from the structure. Ladder 2, Engines 3, 4, & 6, and Rescue 2 were also called to the scene to fill out the balance of the second alarm. Several hand lines were stretched in to second and third floors during the blaze.Tower 1 positioned their truck on a side 4 rear parking lot and set up to vent the roof. The firefighters reported to command that vent operations would be delayed due to slate roofing. They were able to find a scuttle hatch on the roof to help release the trapped smoke and gases in the attic. Tower 1 was able to break through the slate on side 3 and then opened up a large area of the roof on side 4. Ladder 2 overhauled the eaves and roof line on sides 1 and 2. The bulk of the heavy fire was knocked down in 30 minutes leaving heavy overhauling to follow. The Special Signal Association was on scene to provide refreshments to the firefighters.