January Incidents 2015

Less than a week into the new year of 2015 and the JFRD was already declaring the first multiple alarm fire: a third alarm for a condominium complex called "Los Lagos" just after 8 PM on Monday, 5 January. The complex, located near Baymeadows Road, features several two-story, single family condos grouped together in different configurations within a multitude of buildings. This specific incident occurred at 7954 Los Robles Court, a building featuring three of the aforementioned two story condos and, in particular on this night, also featured heavy smoke from a vacant unit located on the far end. With the first arriving crews scrambling to attack the fire, a sudden break of the stem on the hydrant created a delay, as crews had to be briefly withdrawn while supply lines were re-established. With the aforementioned task accomplished firefighters returned to the suppression objectives which, by now, were in receipt of further emphasis as flames were rollicking skyward through the roof of the impacted end unit. During the combat activity one firefighter, assigned with the interior attack crew, suddenly plunged from the second floor down to the first as a protective banister along the stairwell had surreptitiously been burned away. Thankfully, even though a transport to an area hospital was performed, the injuries proved to be relatively benign. Meanwhile, after a Third Alarm began to see additional resources arrive on scene, firefighters identified a major hot spot behind the fascia board between roof and wall and, after a total incident time of just over an hour, the fire was called under control. 3 adults were displaced and in need of Red Cross assistance. As expected, the State Fire Marshal was called to the location to perform the investigative duties.