Second Alarm House Fire (in HDR)

Update: This was former Phoenix Mayor Skip Rimza's house.

Once again the gods of fire chasing smile upon me, but demand a sacrifice (they nearly get it).

At approximately 12:20 today there was a house fire at 9411 N. 43rd st. Since I was driving I decided to chase (I was at Indian School and 7th st.), At about 12:35 I heard on the radio that the FD was going defensive as the roof was collapsing. The fire was in a 2 story luxury home (I later heard that the fire was started by a water heater and spread to the roof). Units from Phoenix, Paradise Valley, and Scottsdale were on scene, so was the token cop.

I was able to get some pictures by hiking up and around to the back of the house (in 110 degree heat), then back down to the entrance of the cul de sac where I got pictures of the front of the house. I crawled back to my car and blessed air conditioning, thus I avoided sacrificing myself. I drove in a daze to the nearest 7-11 and drank a liter of cold water. (note to self) Do not drink cold water fast, when you are waaaaay overheated. The fire was reported out about 90 minutes later.

At 15:35 a call went out for the same location as the fire re-ignited. It was reported out again about 30 minutes later. At 16:30 another call went out, then again at 16:40 (fire still not completely out?). No other calls heard after 17:00

Here are the Pics:




There were a couple of more house fires pretty close by my home, yet somehow I didn't feel like going to them.

Hello Robert.

uh... Hello... Self?

How's your headache?

I don't want to talk about it!

Are you going to do that again?

maybe...

Thought so.

We hates you!!! Leave NOW and never come back!

I can't... my precious.

Uhmmmm. Okaaay? (Maybe the heat affected me worse than I thought).

First Alarm Restaurant Fire (in HDR)

The gods of fire Chasing looked favorably on me today (or did they). I heard this call while on the way to pick up some equipment, as usual it was way on the other side of town. I picked up the equipment and was heading to my destination when I heard that the fire had gone to a first alarm. On the way to the scene the fire fighters were reporting problems with water pressure. Since it was on my way I stopped by. The building was a restaurant that was being refurbished. When I arrived most of the roof had collapsed it appears that the fire was being fought defensively it had been burning for more than 40 minutes by this time. There were Scottsdale and Tempe apparatus on scene I don't remember if there was any Phoenix Fire Department there. I couldn't stay long. Unfortunately many of my pictures were slightly blurred I believe there is a problem with my 300mm zoom lens. Here are the good pics:

Carpentry Shop Fire

Sorry the pictures are not in HDR (not enough time). Once again the Follies of Fire Chasing are in effect. I heard this call when I was on Scottsdale Rd. just north of McCormick at 10:00. The fire was located at a Carpentry shop on 17th St. and Van Buren. It took me 13 minutes (lots of Red light cameras and a Photo radar van on this street) to get from Scottsdale and Lincoln to 16th St. and Glendale (entrance to the Squaw Peak Pkwy). It only took me 6 Minutes to get to the nearest exit (SR51 and Washington). So of course I got there as it was almost completely out. Anyways here's some Pics:

Apartment Fire II (in HDR)

There was another apartment fire near me. This one was at 2545 N. 36th st. The call came in at 11:39. I was out the door by 11:40 I got there before the first due arrive (Engine 12 I think). They went right by the location as there was no smoke showing. They had to go down to 36th st. and Oak to turn around. To avoid problems I don't go onto the property in question (at least for very long) that way I can take pictures without being harassed by the property owner (if around).

The fire was reported out by 11:46. As usual here are some pics of the Apparatus.

Update at 15:05 a call went out for this location to "Check fire out" apparently it is as there was no other call after this.

Apartment Fire (in HDR)

I just got back from an apartment fire. This one was at 22nd street and Pinchot. I heard the call and ran out of the house.
I got there just seconds after the Fire department arrived.

This is a small single level apartment complex.I slipped in and snapped a picture before anyone could tell me not to.

They had the fire knocked down pretty quick. So I took some pics of the apparatus.