The fire report from the January 24th fire at 309 Calm Street in Latta in which two Latta firefighters were injured has been released. The report is by the Dillon County Fire Department Station 2.
The firefighters are identified by their numbers in the narrative. LF1 is Bobby Jones, Latta Fire Chief. LF2 is Andy Britt, Latta Assistant Chief. LF3 is B.J. Sturgeon, Latta Fire Captain. The alarm time is listed as 13:03, which is 1:03 p.m.
On the above date and time Station 2 along with Station 9 and Station 1 was toned to a structure fire. Station 2 arrived on scene to find a singlewide trailer approximately 35% to 45% involved. The engineer placed the pumper in front of the structure on Calm Street and put the truck in pump gear. Station 2 deployed an 1 3/4 attack line from the pumper while LF2 was packing out and asking people that were standing around if anyone was in the structure. Everyone stated that no one was home, by this time LF1 was on scene and proceeded to pack out. LF2 was at the rear of 703-5 gearing up and speaking to incoming units. LF1 and LF3 took the hand line and proceeded to the front door on the “A” side of the structure. LF2 took the position third on the hand line. LF3 took the nozzle position and stepped into the doorway. LF1 stepped just inside the doorway and LF2 was just outside the door. LF3 was standing in what seemed to be the kitchen area when suddenly the grey smoke turned extremely black and the environment in the home changed and got extremely hot. Station 2 is not sure what happened at the time, but it was like a flash over or something. LF1 stumbled backwards out the door and LF2 fell back towards the delta side of the structure. LF2 could hear air escaping from the regulator and LF2 and LF1 could hear LF3 yell for help. LF2 and LF1 moved into the direction that they last heard him call for help. Both firefighters (LF2 and LF1) became disoriented and moved back to the door to compose themselves. They then made a right-handed search around and found LF3 in the alpha-delta corner of the kitchen area. LF2 yelled to LF1 that he found LF3. He started pulling and moving LF3 back towards the door. At this time LF1 also assisted with the removal of the downed firefighter. The two firefighters (LF2 and LF1) moved LF3 through the doorway and into the yard.
(Note: The Dillon Herald has omitted three lines of the report that deal with the medical treatment of the firefighters.)
LF2 remained on scene as command for the duration of the fire. Station 1 and 9 along with Floyd Dale Fire and Rescue continued fighting the fire. The fire was extinguished and overhauled. SLED and local police were called to try and determine the cause of the fire.
The report is signed by Anthony Britt, Assistant Chief.
SLED spokesperson Thom Berry told the Herald that SLED had an ongoing investigation into the matter.