Fire Destroyed House Under Construction in Hillcrest Subdivision
Fire destroyed a house under construction at 12707 Woodside Drive in Hillcrest Subdivision on January 27,2005 around 10:30 pm. A full response from North Oldham Fire Department along with an Engine Company and Chief Officer from Harrod’s Creek Fire Department responded on the call.
North Oldham fire photographer Gregg Cobb, who lives nearby, was first to arrive on the scene and advised responding units of extent of involvement which led to a decision early on to go defensive and protect exposures.
View from the rear of the structure located at 12707 Woodside Drive.
Master stream from North Oldham’s Quint 1455 starts to attack the main body of fire.
Quint 1455 laid 550' of 5" supply line from a hydrant. Their crew laid a 2” hand line to cover the exposed house on Side 2. Quint 1455 also used their aerial master stream to attack the main body of fire. Harrods Creek Engine 1235 was directed by the Incident Commander to approach from the opposite direction, find a hydrant and lay lines to cover the exposed house on Side 4. Engine 1235 laid approximately 300’ of 5” supply line and placed a 2-1/2” handline in service. They also supplied their portable master stream with a 5” line. At the height of the fire, over 2,000 GPM of water was being applied.
Although the two master streams quickly knocked down the main body of fire, overhaul was hampered by collapsed floors making entry unsafe combined with below freezing temperatures causing a severe ice condition. Units remained on the scene until 6am the following morning. The cause of the fire remains undetermined although staining of the floor of the room on the side 1-2 corner had been done earlier on the day of the fire. This room was near the area of origin. Oldham County Police Arson Investigators were summoned to assist with the investigation. At this time, the cause of the fire does not appear to be suspicious in any way.
The freezing weather and icy conditions contributed to at least one injury to a firefighter who fell as a result of the slippery surfaces. He was treated for a hairline fracture of his lower right leg. Several other firefighters also fell as a result of the ice. However, no other injuries were reported.
The main fire building appears to be a total loss, as this fire went undiscovered until the building was almost totally involved and partial collapse occurred. Most of the other homes on this street are unoccupied and in the same stages of construction. The first 911 call came from a residence on the next street who looked out and saw a large fire.
South Oldham and Westport Fire Departments placed engine companies in North Oldham’s Fire Stations during this incident, in the event of additional runs in NOFD’s area. The Chief expresses his thanks and appreciation to all NOFD and mutual aid firefighters who braved the cold and lost a night’s sleep to battle this blaze.