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Submitted by Ron Stipp
Grand Island Fire Co. Public Information Officer
At 2 a.m. on Thursday, March 9, Grand Island firefighters were awoken to the tones of a structure fire at a residential home on Grand Island.
With multiple callers advising dispatch of the structure fire, GI chiefs that responded within minutes were advised of a fully involved structure fire by the (Erie County) Sheriff’s Office. All residents were out of the house at the time of their arrival, with two dogs unaccounted for.
Fire Chief Mark Sadkowski called for a fast team and established command once on scene, along with engine 3, engine 5 and truck 6, shortly thereafter. Upon arrival, there was heavy fire on the back side of the house along with an electrical line down in the back yard. Utilities were phoned for support.
During the fire suppression, crews made initial entry into the residence with a line and had water on the fire. A second crew also went in with a line assisting in suppression and later working defensively operating on opposite sides of the structure, keeping the fire contained to the rear of the house. High winds were an additional factor that lead to the quick but heavy spread of fire throughout the structure.
Mutual aid assistance was received from Sheridan Park Fire. Operations reported by 2:47 a.m. that the bulk of the fire was knocked down and declared the fire under control. Overhaul began shortly thereafter and was completed around 4:45 a.m.
Around 900 feet of 1-3/4-inch hose was used along with 200 feet of high-flow LDH hose.
Damage was estimated at $200,000 to the structure and $75,000 to the contents.
The exact cause remains undetermined at this time.
It was later reported that both dogs were accounted for.
All participating units returned in service by 5:15 a.m.
So far to date, Grand Island volunteers have responded to 337 calls, ranging from structure fires to EMS calls, to good intent and citizen-assist calls.
With the “spring ahead” clock change, it’s a good time to remind residents to check batteries in their smoke detectors and make sure they are good, working order. Minutes matter.
Photos and videos can be found on our Facebook page @GrandIslandFireCompany.