Three people were displaced after a fire damaged their home in the 6700 block of East Stella Road. Multiple calls were made to 9-1-1 stating that smoke and flames were coming from the back of the house and roof area.
The first TFD unit on scene, Ladder 09, confirmed heavy smoke and flames from the rear of the house, coming from what appeared to be a green room. The first Engine arrived on scene and pulled a hoseline through the front door, trying to work to the back of the house to extinguish the fire. The ladder crew confirmed that everyone was out of the house and also tried to control the utilities.
The electrical line hanging from the pole in the alley to the house, the service line, failed because of the heavy fire impinging on it and became a safety concern. A safety officer notified everyone on scene to the downed energized power line and ensured that all firefighters avoided the backyard of the home. TEP was expedited to try and shut down the power line.
The crew inside had little to no visibility and backed out temporarily due to the conditions. The ladder crew proceeded to go to the roof and cut a hole, which allowed the smoke to escape and improved visibility. The interior crew was able to re-enter and extinguish the remaining flames. A dark brown smoke continued exiting the home from the roof area, a sign that the wood rafters were burning. Crews pulled down ceiling from the interior and the ladder crew also cut a second hole to access any hot spots and extinguish any remaining flames.
Nine units and twenty-three firefighters responded to the scene and controlled thirty-seven minutes after arriving. One firefighter was transported to the hospital for precautionary reasons related to exhaustion.
Red Cross was responding to the scene to assist the residents, a female in her 70’s, a female in her 50’s, and a male in his 50’s.
The fire appeared to start in the rear of the home but fire investigators are still working to determine the cause.