12/01/2025
Box 9194 4200 BLK Gorman St SE
Engine 30 and Truck 17 were dispatched first due for a reported house fire with multiple occupants unable to evacuate.
Upon arrival, units found a two-story, semi-detached residence with no visible fire conditions and no exterior indicators of an emergency. Upon completion of size up a faint odor consistent with burnt teflon/food was noted. Truck 17’s barman began to force entry into side A, when sounds of screaming and banging on a 2nd floor window directly above front door were heard.
Engine 30, along with Truck 17’s officer and barman, made entry and encountered heavy smoke conditions on both floors with very limited visibility. The home was extremely well sealed due to its age and construction, resulting in significant smoke accumulation despite the absence of active fire. Meanwhile, other Truck 17 members deployed ladders and began ventilation operations.
Engine 30 located a burnt pot and food on the stove with no fire extension. Truck 17 located four occupants trapped in a second-floor bedroom. Due to deteriorating visibility, hazardous conditions in the stairwell, and substantial clutter on the first floor, interior evacuation was not feasible. The victims were safely removed via ground ladders without incident.
