Working Fire at
Use It Again Thrift Store

November 16, 2003 1204hrs:

Members of Fire 3 observed a column of black smoke coming from the Use it Again Thrift Store across the street from the firehouse. As the alert was being sounded over the telephone-paging speakers, Communications began dropping the box alarm for a commercial building fire. Engine 33 went on the scene seconds later with heavy smoke showing from side 2 of the building. In addition to the Thrift Store, the building is also occupied by the nightclub Club V. Engine 33's crew advanced a 200' 1-3/4" preconnect to the fire and found a large shed fully engulfed on the loading dock of the Thrift Store. Engine 122 picked up E-33's supply line on Old Washington Road and advanced a second line into the main portion of the Thrift Store. Truck 3 setup the aerial ladder on side 3 and forced open the rear bay doors of the attached Club V parking garage. La Plata Truck 1 setup the aerial on side 1 and began opening up the roof. Crews checking for extension found fire in the ceiling of the offices located in the Club V parking garage. Bryans Road Engine 112 arrived on scene and positioned on side 3 on the building. E-112's crew advanced a preconnected attack line through the bay door and stood by to backup E-33 as they overhauled the office spaces. Accokeek Tower 24 and Engine 241 assisted E-122 with a backup line and overhaul support inside the Thrift Store. Hughesville Engine 23 established a secondary water supply from the hydrant in front of Fire 3 as the crew assisted with overhaul. Brandywine Squad 40 forced entry into Club V and checked for extension. Chief 3, Dan Stevens, was the Incident Commander with Chief 3A, Clark Embrey, as Operations. Rescue Squad 40's driver performed accountability while the officer functioned as the Incident Safety Officer. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshall's Office at this time. Units cleared the scene at 1355 hours and returned to quarters.

Waldorf Responding Units: Engine 33, Truck 3, Engine 122, Ambulance 38, Ambulance 129, Chief 3A, and Chief 3.

Mutual Aid Units: Brandwine Squad 40, Bryans Road Engine 112, La Plata Truck 1, Accokeek Tower 24 with Engine 241, and Hughesville Engine 23.