Killingly, CT – Firefighters were forced to employ non-standard tactics after lighting likely struck a home, with minimal apparatus access, causing a fire in the basement.
At approximately 3:40 PM on Sunday, September 1st, 2024, the Attawugan Fire Department was dispatched to 75 Pineville Rd for reports of smoke in the residence following a lightning strike.
Having in-depth knowledge of the fire district, the incoming commanding officer knew larger apparatus, such as engines and tankers, would not be able to climb the driveway due to steep terrain. He made the decision for Service 162 (S-162) to be first due. S-162 is a 2022 Ram-3500 with a skid unit and 200 gallons of water, able to support one 1.75″ handline or one 2.5″ handline.
Upon entry to the building, crews confirmed a heavy smoke condition and requested a 1st alarm structure fire assignment, bringing in mutual aid from the rest of Killingly and Putnam. As crews advanced into the basement they discovered active fire and were able to quickly contain it before significant damage was done to the home above.
With S-162 only having 30 seconds – 1 minute of water onboard, being tied to a secondary apparatus was critical. A 3″ supply line was run from S-162 to Tanker 162 (T-162) staged at the bottom of the driveway. T-162 was then supplied by mutual aid tankers due to the lack of hydrants in the area.
Assistant Chief Greg Desmarais, Attawaugan Fire Department, extended his thanks to all mutual aid companies that supported during the incident. [Several departments were forced to split personnel between incidents with multiple emergencies ongoing in the region simultaneously.]
The homeowner was evaluated for possible smoke inhalation but refused transport to the hospital.
The fire remains under investigation by the Killingly Fire Marshals Office.
Agencies that responded, or were dispatched, included Attawaugan Fire Department, Dayville Fire Company, East Putnam Fire Department, Putnam Fire Department, East Killingly Fire Department, Williamsville Fire Engine Company, Danielson Fire Department, South Killingly Fire Department, KB Ambulance, and KB Ambulance QV Medic.