Fire causes $40,000 in damages

NORWALK — A porch fire Sunday caused about $40,000 in damages to a house at 259 W. Main St. in Norwalk. The Norwalk Fire Department was dispatched to above address at 9:32 p.m. Here is the report from NFD: Firefighters found light smoke showing from the "A" side of the structure. NPD officers on scene were attempting to extinguish the fire that was located on the "D" side of the structure with a 5# ABC extinguisher. The fire was located on the porch of the structure and the body of fire was too large to extinguish with an extinguisher. Meanwhile, traffic on the one lane road was continuing to try and pass the apparatus that was being used to deploy handlines to provide the actual extinguishment of the fire. NPD officers were directed to do traffic control to prevent any NFD members from being struck by passing vehicles as they were attempting to deploy a hoseline and equipment. A 1 3/4" hoseline was deployed to knock down the main body of the fire. The fire was contained to the porch area. However, the structure was balloon frame construction and extension to the roof of the structure was a concern. Members were directed to Division 2 to open up the ceiling and wall in the area of the fire. Heavy smoke continued to issue from the gable ends of the structure. 554 was directed to set up for vertical ventilation upon arrival. Members were able to access the area in question and open up to determine if extension had occurred in that area. Smoke was in this Division 2 void space so a PPV fan was set up at the "A" side of the structure. Members overhauled the porch areas extensively and the area directly above from the exterior of the structure. The area of fire involvement and the adjacent areas had water applied to cool the area. After all areas were opened up, all areas were soaked with copious amounts of water to prevent rekindle. NCEMS unit was summoned back to the scene to transport a pt. that was "checked out" but never signed off on a refusal and had breathing difficulty and chest pain. Pt. was transported to the ER for evaluation.