Fires Keep Central Fire Department Busy for Holidays

The Central Fire Department responded to a number of fires over the holidays:

• Smoke Damage on Carey Road. On Dec. 28, a homeowner returned to his residence in the 12700 block of Carey Rd. and discovered high heat conditions and smoke inside his residence.  The Central Fire Department was alerted at 2:49 p.m., but upon arrival firefighters quickly realized the fire was already out but not before causing extensive damage.  The rest of the home suffered serious damage from heat and smoke generated by the fire. The Baker Fire Department responded.  Since there were no fire hydrants in the

area, Brownsfield, Pride and Chan- eyville Fire Departments were dispatched to provide tankers.

• Kitchen Engulfed in Flames. At 8 p.m. on New Years Eve, District Six and Central Fire Departments were dispatched to 8600 Betty Smothers for a house fire. On arrival, firefighters discovered the kitchen engulfed in flames. The fire was quickly extinguished. However, the rest of the home suffered heat and smoke damage.

• Housefire on Villa Crossing. At 11:48 on the evening of Dec. 31, Central firefighters were dispatched to the 9300 block of Villa Crossing for a residential fire.  On arrival, firefighters discovered fire consuming the rear of the structure’s exterior and approximately half of the interior. Firefighters quickly extinguished all visible fire.  However, because of extensive fire damage to the structure, firefighters remained on scene until approximately 3:30 a.m., Jan. 1, 2015, clearing the home of all hidden fire.  Due to the size of the home and the extent of fire, a second alarm was called for additional personnel.  An engine company from East Side Fire Department served as the rapid intervention crew and an engine company from District Six Fire Department responded on the second alarm.  Brownsfield and Pride Fire Departments staffed two empty Central stations.  One Central firefighter suffered an ankle injury.

• Central FD Aids East Side. As crews gained control of the Villa Crossing fire, reports of a house fire in the 16400 block of Bristoe were received in the East Side Fire District.  A Central chief and an engine company were released from Villa Crossing and assisted East Side and St. George Fire Departments on Bristoe. This fire was controlled within an hour, but not before the home suffered heavy damage.

• Medical Emergencies, Fire Alarms, and Traffic Accidents. In addition to structure fires, the Central Fire Department was kept busy responding to numerous medical emergencies, automatic fire alarms and motor vehicle accidents over the holidays.  Central Fire Chief Bill Porche said while the number of residential fires occurring in a short amount of time was unusual, unfortunately, structure fires occur on a routine basis and the best protection for home and business owners is to have working smoke detectors and a fire