New Mexico Structure Fire Gets Colorado Mutual Aid
Photo by Tom AurnhammerDurango (CO) Fire District Captain Tom Walsh assesses conditions on the “B” side of the structure.
Photo by Tom AurnhammerFirefighters prepare the use of a piercing nozzle to reach a void space.
Photo by Tom AurnhammerFire showing from the eaves of the second story roof.
Photo by Tom AurnhammerPiercing nozzle being deployed on the “B” side.
Photo by Tom AurnhammerThe “B”/”C” side of the fire building.
Photo by Tom AurnhammerSJCFD Firefighters working the “C”/”D” corner of the structure.
Photo by Tom AurnhammerSJCFD Division Chief Duane Bair overseeing operations on the “C” side.
Photo by Tom AurnhammerDurango (CO) Fire District’s Engine 1 at the scene.
Cedar Hill, NM: On August 17th, 2014 at 08:52 hours, San Juan County Firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 58 County Road 2620. Units arrived to find a fire in a single family dwelling, that can only be described as a conglomeration of construction types. Firefighters from Cedar Hill (District 3), Center Point (District 7), and Flora Vista (District 2) responded on the initial alarm. First arriving units were plagued by deteriorating fire conditions, concealed structural spaces, numerous exposures, and temperatures in the 90° range.
The San Juan County Fire Department (SJCFD) Engine with a Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) was special called to the scene from Kirtland (District 1), along with their Mobile Air Compressor. Additional Mutual Aid Engine Companies were also requested from the Aztec (NM) Fire Department, Durango (CO) Fire District, and the Farmington (NM) Fire Department. The high temperatures required a continuous crew rotation for hydration and medical monitoring. Paramedics from the San Juan Regional Medical Center Emergency Medical Services staffed the rehab operations.
The Incident Commander, SJCFD Division Chief Laura Hensley, had split the incident into fire suppression and water supply operations. SJCFD Division Chief Duane Bair took over the suppression efforts. The defensive fire attack resulted in the fire being controlled approximately 2 hours into the operation. Extensive overhaul was required to extinguish hidden pockets of fire in the structure.
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