As the fire spread, the two yachts in the open sided Building B were threatened.
The firestorm was intensifying, with large embers floating into neighboring areas, and
whirlwinds of flame were visible above the marina. Witnesses watching the fire from
outside their homes reported high heat and feeling the "vibration" of the fire. With the
threat of fire spreading from the fully involved Building A and floating firebrands,
Command requested a boost in city water pressure.
Engine 3 informed Command that radiant heat was igniting new fires on the east
side of Building B, specifically the dust collector. The crew of Engine 3 set up an ele -
vated stream on Building A and requested a 5" supply line. Command ordered Engine 2
to stretch two 3" supply lines from Quint 2 to Engine 3. Quint 2 had the aerial set up on
the southeast corner of Building C and was providing water supply to Engine 3's deck
gun; there were two 3" supply lines from the yard hydrant located at the northeast cor -
ner of the property. Quint 2 was also pulling 3" exposure lines from the apparatus.
When Ladder 49 arrived on scene; they were returned to quarters and directed to
respond with Fort Lauderdale's fireboat (FB 49), the first of three marine units to oper -
ate at the incident.
Flying brands were landing on the roofs of the facility's buildings located to the
east of the fire, igniting some roofs. Brands were also igniting spot fires in dumpsters and
in a row of palm trees that bordered the docks on the east perimeter. The crew of Engine
8 was directed to the dock area across the canal to survey for and extinguish spot fires.
Engine 29 reported that they were attacking a very heavy volume of fire on the
southwest side of Building A but the canal located to the immediate west of the building
would prevent the fire from overrunning their position. The crew directed an unmanned
deck gun on the southwest corner of the building. Radiant heat did not appear to
threaten the boats docked across the canal.
A yacht located in the yard on the east side of Building B was threatened as the
size of the fire grew and the volume of firebrands increased. Command ordered a 3"
supply line taken up the driveway to the immediate east side of Quint 2's position to
supply more maneuverable 1-3/4" hand lines; these lines were used to protect the yacht
stored in the yard and other yachts moored at the docks north of Building B.
Fort Lauderdale's fireboat (FB 49) responded up the New River and reported to
the north side of the facility to supply attack lines. The deluge gun on the boat was used
to darken down the fire in Building A, which was threatening the two yachts in the
adjoining Building B.
Command directed the responding Coast Guard fireboat to the north perimeter of
the facility.
Next » Second Entrance to Facility Located
Save to del.icio.us
