At 9:36am, Thursday 16th February, Tylden, Trentham and Woodend brigades were alerted to a structure fire in James Lane.
On arrival on the scene (about 10 min after the pager message), one bedroom was found to be fully involved, with smoke issuing from the windows and smoke throughout the remainder of the house.
Whilst the BA team prepared themselves, an initial attack was conducted from the doorway. The bedroom was extremely hot, with the fire apparently originating from the vicinity of the bed. The BA team then entered the room to complete the attack and ensure the fire was extinguished. The ceiling space and the remainder of the house were then checked to ensure the fire hadn’t spread beyond the bedroom.
The smoke within the house was quickly ventilated with the use of the fan from Woodend Pumper and opening of windows. This also assisted in quickly cooling down the house.
A thermal imaging camera was responded from Bendigo to ensure that no hot areas remained that might be likely to cause re-ignition.
A Fire Investigator was also called in to conduct an examination of the scene. At the time of writing, the cause of the fire had not been determined.
Also on scene were Victoria Police, Powercor and RAV. The RAV were responded out of concern that the home owner and a friend had inhaled smoke and other gases from the burning house, prior to the CFA’s arrival.
Of particular interest was the observation (prior to ventilation) of significant thermal layering in a second bedroom (across the hall from the involved room). Once the smoke had been cleared, it was noticed that the smoke detector (on ceiling of second bedroom) had melted from the intense buildup of heat.
This was a great save, and all the crews on scene are to be commended for a fast and efficient response, and great teamwork by the brigades from 3 neighbouring groups.
CFA Vehicles: Tylden Tankers 1 and 2; Trentham Pumper/Tanker and Bigfill; Woodend Pumper and Tanker; Kyneton Group FCV; Bendigo Support
Ian van der Werff
3rd Lt, Tylden
Photos by "Big Dog Bites" - Allen Moore
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