A tree fell across a busy Chesterfield County roadway tearing down electric wires, snarling traffic, causing a massive power outage and sparking a dangerous fire.
Shortly before noon, the tone sounded announcing tree across power lines. Engine 11 was dispatched.
Upon arrival, the firefighters discovered a traffic mess, numerous live wires down, a tree on fire and a brush fire. Engine 3 was dispatched to assist. Chesterfield County Police arrived on scene and handled the traffic while closing off the affected roads. TSO Lt. Jimmy Trice also responded.
Residents in the area said they could see smoke and flames from their nearby neighborhoods.
Numerous challenges faced the firefighters. An air show was being conducted in the area and this caused an increased traffic flow in an already heavily traveled area. Houses and vehicles dotted the area where the lines were dangling.
Virginia is in an extreme drought condition and the fire occurred in a heavily wooded area with an abundant supply of fallen leaves, dry brush and thick trees.
Virginia Dominion Power was summoned to cut the power.
Firefighters stretched handlines and launched an aggressive attack on the fire that was hungrily devouring the brush and trees.
Firefighters worked hard and fast and used their skills to protect the exposures that faced the flames.
The roads in the area were closed for most of the day. Firefighters, after accomplishing successful supression, kept a vigil for hotspots while the power company initiated repairs.
No injuries were reported and all exposures were successfully protected.
