On Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 at approximately 1614 hours, north County companies were dispatched to 3885 Gordon Stinnett Avenue for the townhouse fire. Prior to the arrival of any units, Communications advised they were receiving multiple calls and they were on the phone with a lady trapped inside. As a result, the 2nd alarm was immediately requested adding Chief 7A, Chief 7B, Engine 71, and Squad 7 to the run.

First arriving Engine 11 (North Beach VFD) arrived on location shortly after dispatch with 2 townhomes already on the ground with fire extending into 3 additional townhomes. Once Company 7 units arrived they assisted in remaining fire extinguishment and overhaul of the standing townhomes.

Shortly after, during overhaul operations, a third townhome collapsed. Unfortunately, 2 civilians ultimately perished in the fire and three firefighters were burned and required medical treatment. In addition several firefighters were treated on the scene for heat exhaustion. Ultimately five townhomes were destroyed and seven families were displaced. Units from Company 7 operated on the scene for 3 hours, before returning to service.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the multiple families affected by this tragedy.

*Photos courtesy of Dunkirk VFD*