STRUCTURE FIRE AT 17 OXMOOR COURT, GOVERNORS CLUB

***PRESS RELEASE***

CITY OF BRENTWOOD 

FIRE AND RESCUE

From:              Fire Chief Brian Goss                        

Date:              October 24, 2011

Subject:          Press Release:  Structure Fire Investigation at 17 Oxmoor Court, Brentwood

STRUCTURE FIRE AT 17 OXMOOR COURT, GOVERNORS CLUB

At approximately 10:00 p.m. Friday night Brentwood Fire & Rescue personnel were dispatched to a structure fire at 17 Oxmoor Ct. in Governors Club.  Upon arrival just minutes later, Engine 4 reported black smoke coming from the eves and chimney area.  Moments later they reported a working attic fire.

Crews made an aggressive attack via an interior stairwell and quickly located the main body of fire.  Crews were attacking the fire when it broke through the roof on the C (right) side of the home approximately 10 minutes after arrival.  Interior crews continued to make progress and the fire had completely darkened down when it moved through an adjacent attic space.  The roof structure was complex and the attic contained several cuts and void spaces which enabled the fire to travel unchecked.  The home also contained a heavy slate roof which held the heat, impeded roof-top ventilation, and lead to early roof collapse simply due to sheer weight (27 pounds per square foot).  Heavy slate tiles the size and weight of bricks were falling around fire personnel all night.

Franklin Fire Department was alerted and sent an Engine and Command Officer to assist.  Brentwood also initiated a “group callback” to bring our off-duty firefighters to the stations.  A total of 35-40 Brentwood Fire Personnel responded to the scene.  The fire was deemed under control at approximately 3:00 a.m., although resources would remain on scene for the next 24-hours.  Brentwood Fire & Rescue personnel removed three pets, four cars, and several boxes of photos and belongings.  The fire was held to the roof, attic and part of the second floor with water damage to the basement and first floor.

No occupant was injured and one firefighter experienced a slight ankle sprain.  The Fire Investigator remains on scene today to determine the specific nature and cause of the fire, believed to have started in or around a fireplace chimney.  No loss has been calculated. 

Crews responded to a second chimney fire just twelve hours later in the Cool Springs area.  As we enter into the winter season, all citizens are reminded to have their fireplace chimneys inspected annually.

Fire Chief's Briefing for September 26 Through October 18, 2011

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s emergency responses for the period of September 26 through October 18, 2011.

We responded to 155 emergency calls for service.

These calls can be broken down into the following categories:

Fire: 1

Rupture/Explosion: 1

EMS/Rescue: 100

Hazardous Condition: 6

Service Call: 5

Good Intent: 10

False Call: 32

Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities:

Monday, October 3 at approximately 8:35 am:

E4 was dispatched on a report of one PT with injuries from a fall. Upon arrival they found the PT lying supine on the floor of a home under construction, holding their arm. The PT was laying brick on the exterior of the house when he fell from a height equivalent to the 2nd floor window.  Witnesses said the PT landed on their left side.  Initially the PT was ambulatory and walked inside prior to E4 arriving on scene.  E4 crew members held manual c-spine and exposed the PT’s torso.  A physical exam revealed obvious deformities and numerous abrasions.  The PT was placed in a position of comfort, c-collar was applied and the PT was fully immobilized on a long spine board.  EMS Arrived on scene and PT care was transferred.  E4 assisted EMS with loading the PT into ambulance for transport to an area hospital.

Tuesday, October 4 at approximately 11:05 am:

E2 responded to a reported carbon monoxide alarm. Upon their arrival, the crew was met by the occupant who stated that their CO detector went off and was reading 63. A carpet cleaning crew had just cleaned the carpets in the home 30 minutes prior. E2 made entry through the front door with their gas detector, which immediately went into alarm and registered 280ppm. Crew members evacuated the home and called for R1 and the gas company while shutting off the gas. Once R1 arrived on scene, crew members utilized 2in/2out and E2 crew entered the structure with full PPE and SCBA. They shut off electricity at the panel and acquired readings of 250 - 280 ppm downstairs and 370 ppm upstairs (symptoms normally appear above 70 ppm and levels above 150-200 ppm are considered potentially lethal). Windows and doors were opened for ventilation while waiting for the gas company to arrive.

A rep from the gas company arrived on scene and attempted to determine the source of the gas. With the furnace running, he was unable to find a leak. He believes the carpet cleaning machine was placed near the air return and pumped CO into the structure. After they left the furnace kicked on and spread it throughout the house.

Once CO levels reached 5ppm E2 and R1 cleared the scene.

Tuesday, October 4 at approximately 10:00 pm:

E3, Haz Mat 1 (HM1, BFR’s Hazardous Materials Response Trailer), C1, C3, C5, and Squad 2 (S2) were dispatched at the request of BPD to stand by during entry to a possible meth lab.  HM1 set up a decontamination pool and an emergency decontamination station at E3's ladder.  S2 suited up with PD’s meth techs and made entry to monitor the air inside the structure.  E3 FF and Engineer dressed out in non-encapsulating Level B suits and functioned as HM RIT (Rapid Intervention Team, in case the entry team needed rescue) during the entry.  Once the entry was completed and the air monitor was within normal limits, all companies dressed down to class C uniforms.  Once the air was determined to be clear, BPD released all fire companies from the scene.

Tuesday, October 11 at approximately 1:05 pm:

E3 was dispatched on a report of a cat that was trapped in an HVAC unit. Upon E3's arrival, animal control was already on the scene. E3 observed a kitten’s head sticking out of one of the vent holes of the base of the unit. Animal control had put dawn dish soap on the kitten’s head prior to our arrival. E3 assisted by putting pressure on the kittens head while holding its ears back. Animal control was able to pull the kitten back while E3's crew was pushing on its head. This method worked without any harm to the animal. E3 cleared the scene.

Wednesday, October 12 at approximately 12:30 pm:

E4 was dispatched on a report of an unresponsive PT. Upon arrival E4 found 1 PT with bystander CPR in progress. E4’s paramedic took control of the scene and began Advanced Life Support treatment to include intubation, BVM use, and cardiac monitoring. Upon arrival of EMS an Intra-Osceous line was established and resuscitation drugs were administered. The PT was moved to a long spine board and immobilized before being loaded into the ambulance for emergency transport to an area hospital with one firefighter on board to assist with further care while enroute.

Fire Chief's Briefing for September 20 Through September 25, 2011

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s emergency responses for the period of September 20 through September 25, 2011.

We responded to 37 emergency calls for service.

These calls can be broken down into the following categories:

EMS/Rescue: 24

Hazardous Condition: 1

Service Call: 2

Good Intent: 1

False Call: 9

Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities:

Tuesday, September 20 at approximately 7:24 pm:

E4 received a phone call at the station asking for help near the city limits with a dog who had been struck by a vehicle and was now under the vehicle. E4 proceeded approximately one mile into Nolensville before making contact with a Nolensville Police Officer and the driver of the vehicle. The dog was not entrapped, but was injured and did not want to come out. Shortly after arriving on scene, Nolensville Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD) arrived and control of the scene was transferred to them. NVFD personnel backed the vehicle away from the dog until the dog came out from the front. It was apparently injured but able to ambulate. NPD had requested animal control to respond to the scene, so the decision was made to wait for them. Upon their arrival the dog was leashed and lead to animal control's vehicle. E4 was released from the scene and returned to quarters.

Tuesday, September 20 at approximately 7:41 pm:

C3 was dispatched on a report of a snake in a residence. The homeowner had attempted to contact several pest and varmint removal services, but was unable to find anyone who would be able to come out that late at night. E4 was still out of quarters on the previous call, so C3 responded to assist the homeowner. The reptile was safely caught, removed from the residence, and released in a wooded area with no harm to the animal, the resident, or C3.

Friday, September 23 at approximately 3:09 pm:

E2, R1, and C3 were dispatched to a reported four-wheeler accident. Upon arrival, one PT was found lying in the grass complaining of leg and back pain. Spinal immobilization precautions were taken, a rapid trauma assessment was performed, and basic life support was initiated. PT care was transferred to EMS and the PT was loaded into the ambulance for transport to an area hospital for further treatment.

Fire Chief's Briefing for September 14 Through September 19, 2011

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s emergency responses for the period of September 14 through September 19, 2011.

We responded to 48 emergency calls for service.

These calls can be broken down into the following categories:

Fire: 2

EMS/Rescue: 27

Service Call: 4

Good Intent: 7

False Call: 7

Severe Weather: 1

Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities:

Wednesday, September 14 at approximately 2:02 pm:

R1 was dispatched from water rescue training at the YMCA on a report of a child locked in a vehicle. Upon arrival, R1 utilized the lock out kit to unlock the vehicle and free the child. The child was unharmed.  R1 returned to previous assignment.

Wednesday, September 14 at approximately 10:17 pm:

All Brentwood Fire and Rescue units were dispatched for a reported Structure Fire at a home struck by lightning.  E2 and R1 were the first units on scene and upon arrival reported that no fire or smoke was visible, but that the house had no power.  E2 established Incident Command and performed a walk around of the structure which revealed no sign of damage from lightning.  All occupants had evacuated the home. E4 arrived on scene and assisted E2 and R1 with searching the home for possible fire. No hazards were found. All other responding units were cancelled.  Upon further investigation E2's crew found that the main electrical panel was tripped and the breaker was heat-welded in the off position.  A secondary search focusing on the crawl space and attic showed no hazards. The house was turned over to the homeowner who was instructed to follow up with an electrician.

Thursday, September 15 at approximately 2:39 pm:

E3 was dispatched on an outside investigation for a report of smoke. Upon arriving in the area, E3’s officer noticed some light smoke coming from the D side (right side) roof of an area restaurant. Closer inspection revealed ashes coming from the roof. An accumulation of smoldering leaves and pine needles were found in a valley near the chimney. E3 radioed for a second engine and established command. E3 utilized a 24' ladder, one scoop shovel, one pressurized water extinguisher and the TIC. The debris was extinguished and removed from the roof. The TIC was used to check for unusual heat patterns on the interior but none were found. The most probable cause of the fire was from a burning ember exiting the chimney and igniting the debris. There was minimal heat damage to the shingles.

While on the roof, crews discovered some decorative Christmas style lights which had a burned though an electrical conductor. The power was being supplied by a CGIF located near the HVAC units. E3's crew disconnected the cords and advised the management.

Thursday, September 15 at approximately 9:50 pm:

E2 was dispatched on a medical call for a report of an unresponsive PT. Upon arrival, E2 and EMS found the patient unresponsive, pulseless and not breathing. CPR and advanced life support skills were initiated; the PT was loaded into the ambulance and transported to an area hospital.

Friday, September 16 at approximately 5:34 pm:

E1 was dispatched on a report of a vehicle fire. Upon arrival E1 found light smoke showing from the passenger compartment. The occupant of the vehicle was standing outside with a Good Samaritan who was using an extinguisher to extinguish the main body of the fire. The occupant stated that there were "flames rolling under the seat" prior to using the extinguisher. The driver also stated that while driving down the road, they noticed smoke coming up from between their legs. E1 noted that there was still some smoldering activity under the driver’s seat and appeared to be electrical in nature. The decision was made to remove the seat in order to gain access and reduce any further damage to the vehicle. E1 cut the negative battery cable to eliminate any electrical hazard that may be associated with their actions. After removing the seat, E1 found burnt electrical wires and a computer board with moderate damage. There was also smoldering debris found in the bottom of the seat cushion. E1 extinguished the underside of the seat and used the thermal imaging camera to check for fire extension. The carpet under the driver’s seat was burnt and presented with an alarming heat signature so the decision was made to remove that section of carpet. Once the carpet was removed, E1 sprayed it down and ensured the fire was out. No other hazards were present. E1 checked available leaving the scene and returned to quarters.

Sunday, September 18 at approximately 12:23 pm:

E4 was dispatched on a medical call for 1 PT unresponsive after a fall. Upon arrival E4 found bystanders performing CPR. After assessing the PT, E4 and EMS resumed CPR. Advanced Life Support was initiated and the PT was loaded into the ambulance for transport to an area hospital with one firefighter on board to assist with continued pt care.

Fire Chief's Briefing for September 4 through September 13, 2011

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s emergency responses for the period of September 4 through September 13, 2011.

We responded to 65 emergency calls for service.

These calls can be broken down into the following categories:

EMS/Rescue: 34

Hazardous Condition: 3

Service Call: 7

Good Intent: 9

False Call: 12

Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities:

Monday, September 5 at approximately 5:10 pm

Fire companies responded to a reported motor vehicle accident with injuries and possible entrapment.  Upon arrival, Engine 4 crew found two vehicles involved.  Vehicle #1 was partially off the roadway and vehicle #2 was off the roadway in a ditch on its passenger side and roof. E4’s officer established Incident Command. 

Command checked the scene and found one patient ambulatory and one patient still in the vehicle.  The patient in the vehicle appeared to be an unrestrained driver and was conscious and alert but laying on the windows of the passenger side.  Command advised EMS to gain access to the patient to stabilize them during extrication.

Rescue 1 and Engine 2 arrived on the scene.  Crew Members used an extrication blanket to protect EMS personnel and the patient in Vehicle #2.  Crews deployed the Hurst cutters from Rescue 1 and cut the top and bottom of the B post to remove the door and post to gain better access and removal of the patient.  No stabilization equipment was needed due to the positioning of the vehicle in the ditch.  Crew members assisted bringing the fully immobilized patient out of the vehicle and transported them to the EMS unit.  EMS transported two patients from this incident non emergency to an area hospital.  No other hazards were found, command was terminated, and all fire companies returned to service.

Thursday, September 8 at approximately 4:20 am

E1 was dispatched on a medical call for a reported child birth. Upon arrival, E1 found that a baby had been successfully delivered prior to their arrival. E1 crew provided supportive care to both mother and child before assisting with loading the PT for transport to an area hospital. One firefighter rode along to assist with further patient care while en route.