This from Eric Haak:
Here are some images of a working fire in an occupied mobile home in the Sterling Estates Mobile Home Park in Justice on Monday (1/18). Fire came in just before 1300 hrs. After an initial interior attack, companies went defensive.
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
#1 by Eric Haak on January 19, 2016 - 2:12 PM
I am certainly not an authority on what happened at all, however I could shed a little light on what I observed. Hydrants were few and far between. There appeared to be issues with obtaining a positive source early on and it appeared they were working with tank water. A positive source was obtained and engines had to work in-line to supply water. The delay appeared to allow the fire to grow quickly and it didn’t take long for there to be heavy fire between the ceiling and roof across the entire length. There was very limited space for rigs to maneuver around due to the home being in the far back corner of the park. The Tower Ladder was brought in late in the incident after the fire appeared to compromise the physical safety of the structure. These are all just my observations and hope they add a little light on what may have happened.
#2 by MABAS 21 on January 19, 2016 - 2:48 PM
Jackie: we’re sorry about your friend’s loss of their home and possessions.
I was informed by one of the on scene battalion chiefs that the tower ladder was utilized for master stream operations due to limited access as Eric had stated. Deck guns on the engines would not have reached the end of the double wide where the heavy volume of fire was located because of numerous handlines on the ground and apparatus placement. Tower 709 was supplied via a 3″ line due to the limited available water in the hydrant system.
#3 by Jackie on January 19, 2016 - 5:51 PM
I understand how that works. Donations are being collected for the family and as you can imagine, red cross only helps so much. Find me on facebook, all links and info is on there foe them, should anyone care to donate. Search for jackiemgehle@aol.com and you’ll have it there. Thanks for your reply, fortunately I understand the ops a wee bit. Retired Emergency Manager here.
#4 by jim on January 19, 2016 - 8:54 AM
I don’t no why the fire department did not use water right away when the fire was contained to the back corner they all stood around and watched.this family lose everything .
#5 by Robert on January 19, 2016 - 7:03 PM
“Companies were faced with very cold temperatures, heavy fire conditions, and bad fire hydrants.”
#6 by John on January 19, 2016 - 8:27 AM
Eric those tower pictures are great!
#7 by Jackie on January 19, 2016 - 3:34 AM
This was a friend of mine. 2 adults and 4 kids displaced. A total loss! They lost everything and have just the clothes on their backs.
#8 by Chris W on January 18, 2016 - 10:27 PM
PA
I disagree with your assessment. Look at the LDH in the last pic.
#TYFYS #HIHFTY
#9 by mike on January 18, 2016 - 8:08 PM
HIHFTY
#10 by Rj on January 18, 2016 - 6:19 PM
Putting the tower to work at a single wide fire!?
#11 by PA on January 18, 2016 - 9:02 PM
My guess is crappy or no hydrants. Lobbing water from the next block is easier than dropping hundreds of feet of hose. Just my 2 cents. Work smarter not harder.
#12 by PA on January 18, 2016 - 9:04 PM
Forgot the rest of it —-***lobbing water from the next block is easier than dropping hundreds of feet of hose – on a 3 degree day.
#13 by Jackie on January 19, 2016 - 9:01 AM
It’s a double wide