Shortly after 05:00, Spotsylvania 911 received a call for a residential fire at 3129 Partlow Rd. The residents had been awakened by smoke detectors, to find smoke and flames in the living room of the residence. As units approached the scene, skyglow indicated a working fire.
Sergeant 8 arrived on scene first to find the house evacuated, and fire showing from side A. Wagon 3 and Ambulance 3-1 arrived shortly after, and Wagon 3's crew pulled a line and began an interior attack through the front door. As additional units arrived on scene, the decision was made to switch to a defensive outside attack. Suppression efforts were complicated by spotty radio reception in the area, necessitating the use of evacuation tones to evacuate firefighters from the building. Water supply problems also hampered the suppression effort, but as additional resources arrived, headway was made in bringing the fire under control. EMS established a rehab area, and the fire was declared out around 07:30. Units stayed on scene for another two hours for overhaul and salvage.
The homeowner suffered some smoke inhalation attempting to retrieve belongings prior to arrival of the first wagon, but initially denied problems. However, several minutes later he began to experience shortness of breath, and sought treatment from EMS. After around 20 minutes of oxygen, his difficulties eased, and he declined further treatment. The Red Cross arrived on scene to assist the family of six with their needs in the aftermath.
Note: Less than six weeks ago, the smoke detectors in the residence were serviced by the Fire Dept. The units were initially inoperative, but were returned to operation after the batteries were replaced.
