The best fire is one that never happens

Each year, the week that includes October 8—the day on which the great Chicago fire of 1871 began—is declared Fire Prevention Week by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This year, it runs from October 3 to 10.

As days grow shorter and cooler, we crank up our heating systems, fireplaces, and wood stoves. Some folks burn fallen leaves and yard debris as they tidy their property in preparation for winter. Then there are holiday decorations that sometimes feature live candles that can be beautiful—and deadly.

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors save lives by providing early warning of danger. Every home should have at least one smoke alarm in working condition. Remember to check their batteries when you turn you clocks back.

The theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “learn the sounds of fire safety.” If you hear a beep, NFPA reminds us, get on your feet, get out of the house, and call 911. If you hear a chirp, it’s time to change the batteries.

Working smoke alarms save lives. NEVER REMOVE THE BATTERY FROM A SMOKE ALARM TO USE IN ANOTHER DEVICE. Go to https://www.nfpa.org/Events/Events/Fire-Prevention-Week/Safety-Tip-Sheets for detailed information about fire safety in your home.

If you do not have a working smoke alarm, Goochland Fire-Rescue will provide one free of charge. Call 804-556-5304 to request a smoke alarm.

Just after midnight this morning, October 8. Goochland Fire-Rescue units were dispatched to a structure fire on Dover Branch Lane, near the intersection of Manakin and Hermitage Roads in the eastern part of the county. Neighbors of the home, which was in the final stages of construction, called 911 to report the blaze.

The Dover Branch Lane home when fire crews arrived. (Goochland County photo)

When the first emergency crew arrived on scene, seven minutes after the 911 call, it reported heavy fire conditions and that the approximately 8,000 square foot home was 70 percent involved in flames.

Twenty-four Goochland Fire-Rescue members responded to the scene assisted by a mutual aid tanker and firefighters from Powhatan. Henrico Division of Fire assisted by covering an EMS call that came in while Goochland units were on the fire ground. The Metro Richmond Flying Squad provided rehabilitation by serving water, coffee, and snacks to those battling the blaze.

Approximately 112,000 gallons of water, shuttled to the fire ground by tankers from a hydrant about a mile distant, brought the blaze under control. The county’s new ladder truck played an important part in the exterior attack of the fire.

Tankers shuttle water from hydrants to tanks that supply engines that power firehoses. Water shuttle is a reality of rural firefighting. (Goochland County photo.)

The Company 5 ladder truck fighting the house fire.(Goochland County photo)

Goochland Fire-Rescue Chief D. E. “Eddie” Ferguson, Jr. commended all emergency personnel for their safe and diligent work on the incident. He expects that fire crews will remain on scene for most of Friday watching for hotspots that could reignite and conducting overhaul operations.

No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Only the foundation and chimney remained standing by late morning.

Check your smoke alarm today.