Firefighters from all South Sumter stations and apparatus from Siloam, Cuba, and Whitfield responded to a structure fire in the Siloam area on Tuesday morning.  The first unit to arrive on the scene advised that the fire was coming through the roof and that the structure was well involved.  Cuba Engine 1 and Siloam Engine 1 arrived on scene and made a quick attack on the fire.  Siloam Tanker arrived and established a water supply from the hydrant less than 150 feet away.  The Whitfield tanker arrived on scene to provide additional water if required.  With the fire darkened, a crew went through the front door and knocked out the rest of the fire.  The thermal imaging camera from Cuba Fire Department was deployed for the second time since it was purchased.  The unit was used to find multiple spots that would likely have caused a rekindle.  While the home sustained heavy damage the fire was contained and many of the family belongings were secured. 

Cuba Engine 1 (Oldie but a Goodie) operates at the scene of the fire.

Firefighter Harvison works the pump on Siloam Engine 1.

Whitfield Chief Steele, steadies the ladder. 

Cuba Firefighter/Chaplain Avery watches the pump on Engine 1 .

Siloam Captain Brooks knocks out a hotspot.

Belmont-McDowell Firefighter/EMR Smith helps reload the Cuba Engine. 

PHOTOS BY: J. HUGHES

York Fire Department was battling a fully involved structure fire on Friday, October 21st, on Boulevard Avenue.  The structure was fully involved prior to the arrival of the first York engine.  Cuba Engine 1 arrived on scene and prepared to lay in a 5 inch supply line.  Engine one extended the supply line for 500 feet and prepared for master stream operations.  An initial attack was made, but the water pressure in the neighborhood was not sufficient to maintain the line.  Cuba 502 requested that the tankers from Siloam and Ward be dispatched to the scene to provide support.  The tankers arrived and were used to supply the master stream operations of Cuba Engine 1 and Livingston Quint 1.  While the fire structure was a complete loss, the actions of the York, Livingston, and South Sumter Fire Departments prevented extention to other structures in the area. 

 Cuba Engine 1 and Livingston Quint 1 in operation.

Livingston Lt. Sharp running the elevated stream.

SIloam Tanker nursing the Quint.

Ward Tanker coming out of the woods after taking care of spot fires.

Cuba and other South Sumter units were dispatched to an MVA at the five mile marker on I 20-59.  Units responding noticed that the westbound lane was deserted at the 1 mile marker and that the incident was likely severe.  First arriving units advised that there were three commercial vehicles and two passenger vehicles involved in the accident.  Units also reported that there were two injuries, and neither appeared critical.  Damage to one vehicle concerned all responders, but it was later discovered that the occupant had been out of his vehicle assisting with the first accident that had occurred at this location.  The highway was closed due to the number of vehicles and the damage done to the commercial vehicle that was split into and spilled its load.  The interstate remained closed until 0400 the following morning.