FireRescue photographer Bill Carson
On Feb. 16 at 1730 HRS, North Dade (Ga.) Fire and Rescue was alerted to a possible house fire on Pine Crest Drive, just off of Highway 299 in Wildwood. When the first engine company arrived on the scene, they immediately confirmed a heavily involved structure fire. Fire crews called for additional fire units to be dispatched to the scene while they started several initial attacks on the fast moving blaze.
Water supply quickly became a primary issue, as the nearest fire hydrant was several blocks away and the entire run was up hill to the fire. Additional fire engines arrived on the scene quickly and started boosting pressure to assist with the flow. Several additional tanker trucks were also dispatched to the scene of the fire. Fire crews were in a heavy battle against the wind, as the fire was already raging out of control and quickly consuming the home. The residents were able to escape without injury.
Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control after about two hours, but not before it destroyed the home. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The loss is estimated to be over $200,000.