A mansion on the water known as Rivers Edge, formerly owned by preacher, “Dr. Shine,” was engulfed in flames by 2pm Sunday afternoon. An incident action plan put together by Potomac Heights VFD was initiated, quickly shuffling units on the fireground and establishing the proper operations and water supply. Chief 7 had the command, staging units on Glymont Rd until further advised of their assignment. Foam Tanker 1 began water shuttle operations as Truck 1 arrived in staging, and was then quickly put to work by command. Command requested the crew to complete a primary search due to a possible homeless person being seen in the area. The crew pulled a handline to the rear of the structure and began removing plywood boards from the windows in order to extinguish the fire. Truck 1 operated on side charlie for about 10 minutes before command made the decision to move to utilizing elevated master streams.
Truck Company 1 repositioned on side alpha, beaching the truck in the front yard, driving through grass 3 feet tall to gain the best position. Water supply was quickly reverted from handlines to the ladder truck as fire was blowing from the roof of the structure. Truck 1 and NDW Truck 20 flowed both ladder pipes, extinguishing visible fire.
Command re-evaluated the incident after reports of conditions inside the structure were given from Chief 11, and the decision was made for crews to move to the interior of the home with hooks and handlines to finish extinguishing the flames. Truck 1 operated on inside the home for about an hour, opening up the ceilings and walls to uncover the hidden fire.
Truck 1 operated on the scene for 7 hours before returning to service.
