Sherman Tx, structure fire...or

[wyatt]

"How I spent my Friday afternoon, and evening, and the rest of the night."

Photographer credit: Theresa Spurgin

Two structures, both 100 years old plus, multi-story, ballon frame construction, were destroyed. The fire had progressed to a stage that involved nearly all of the first building and a good portion of the second when we arrived. (I say we, I'm the tall guy in the blue helmet. That's my Engine and crew in most of the shots). Command called the fire "defensive" almost immediately and no attempt was made to enter either structure. There were 5 master streams set up with-in 10 minutes of first arrival (that's amazing in it's self) each flowing 800-1000 gallons per minute, along with a few other hand lines flowing 200-300 gallons per minute. None the less, the volume of fire was too much. It's what we call in the business "pissin' in the wind". You can see the heat and convection currents bending the 1000 gpm stream in one of the shots. That stream has some punch. Water weighs 8.3 pounds per gallon, 1000 gallons a minute.

















Wyatt

[CaptainTom]

If there is such a thing as a "nice" fire ????

[wyatt]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

If there is such a thing as a "nice" fire ????

There are fires, structure fires, that I (from a firefighters point of view) consider nice. The ones that you go inside and really fight fire. The ones that you "save", either the structure, some precious contents, or even on occasion a human life. This one was not "nice". No fun for me. But I do know what you mean, "nice fire"...It was a big ol' fire!
I forgot to mention in the original post:
1 Firefighter hospitalized for heat exhaustion
1 Police officer treated for heat exhaustion and diabetic complications
1 Salvation Army Volunteer hospitalized for heart attack (history of 4 previous)

Wyatt

[Daniel Bates]

Mmm... looks like you had a more, uh, interesting Friday afternoon than I did.

Glad somebody's out there to fight the fires though! *claps Wyatt on the back*

[Milin]

whoah...that's my old 'hood.

[L Stegall]

Really captures the incredible intensity of the fire. How sad, I live in a 90-year old house in the historic district in Dallas, so this hits closer to home than I'd like. Hate to see these old homes go out this way. :(

[wyatt]

Originally Posted by L Stegall

Really captures the incredible intensity of the fire. How sad, I live in a 90-year old house in the historic district in Dallas, so this hits closer to home than I'd like. Hate to see these old homes go out this way. :(

You should see some video to get a real feel for the intensity, but Theresa will be happy to hear your comments. It is sad indeed. I hate to see'm go this way too. In more ways than one.
Wyatt

[lscottpht]

Fantastic shots, Wyatt!! I love them all! The first is definitely my favorite, though!