| Bay District Station 9 was alerted to the 23300 block of White Elm Court at approximately 3:22 p.m. on March 26 for a reported outside fire. As apparatus was responding, the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) advised units that a shed and the side of a home were now involved, prompting an upgrade to a full structure fire assignment and bringing in additional mutual aid companies to assist.
As additional information was received, callers reported that a heat pump and an attached shed had caught fire, with flames extending into nearby wooded areas behind the home. Responding units arrived to find a working fire involving the shed, surrounding vegetation, and portions of the exterior of the residence.
Command was established shortly after arrival, with crews initiating an aggressive fire attack while simultaneously working to contain the spreading brush fire. Firefighters deployed multiple hose lines and utilized brush units and utility terrain vehicles to access and suppress fire in the wooded areas.
Crews operated across multiple divisions, including the immediate residential area, adjacent wooded sections, and nearby access points, coordinating efforts to prevent further spread. At one point, the fire reached the porch area of the home; however, firefighters were able to stop extension before it entered the interior of the residence.
Through coordinated suppression efforts, the shed fire was extinguished, and the forward progress of the brush fire was halted. Crews continued working to contain hot spots and applied foam to ensure complete extinguishment.
The fire was brought under control in approximately 40 minutes, with personnel remaining on scene for overhaul and to address lingering hot spots. No injuries were reported, and no additional structures were significantly impacted.
Fire officials credit the quick actions of both the reporting party and responding crews for preventing a more serious incident.
Residents are reminded that outdoor fires can spread rapidly, especially in dry or windy conditions. Always monitor any outdoor burning closely and ensure it is fully extinguished.
Fire Safety Tip: Never leave outdoor fires unattended, and keep a water source or hose nearby to quickly control any unexpected spread. |
