The Danville Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 838 Hughes Street this morning (September 18, 2021) at 5:12 am. Crews arrived on scene at 5:12 found a medium one-story house with fire extending from rear of the house. Engine 3’s crew (from Industrial Ave fire station) secured a water supply and pulled a hand line to begin a offensive attack on the structure to extinguish the fire inside the house, then Ladder 1 entered the house to search for additional fire and occupants with a all clear. Engine 1’s crew (from Lynn Street Fire Station) pulled a back-up line. Pump 3 assisted with set up a ventilation fan and Engine 3 entered the house to do a primary search for occupants. Engine 6’s crew (from Westover Fire Station) sat up equipment and established a Rapid Intervention Crew and later went in for salvage and overhaul .
The fire was knocked down at 6:21 am and determined to be under control at 7:11 am. The bedroom sustained heavy fire, smoke, heat, and water damage with the rest of the house sustaining heat and smoke damage. The house was occupied at the time of the fire, but all occupants were located safely outside. One occupant was treated and released on scene by the Danville Life Saving Crew for smoke inhalation.
The Danville Fire Department responded with three engines, a ladder truck, a command unit, a safety officer. Sixteen fire personnel were on the scene for 1 hour and 34 minutes. The Danville Life Saving Crew, Danville Electric Department, Danville Water and Gas Department and Danville Police Department assisted on scene.
The family is being assisted by the American Red Cross.
The cause of the fire was investigated by the on-scene officers and determined to be a careless handling of a candles.
Ken Jones
Acting Battalion Chief