Today, September 15th, 2023 at approximately 3:39pm the Danville Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 468 Holbrook Street. The Danville Fire Department responded with two command units, two aerial apparatus, and four engine companies. Chief 3 was the first to arrive on scene and he gave a scene size up of smoke showing from a large church. Engines 3, 1, 7, and 2, Ladders 1 and 2, Battalion 1, and Chief 3 were on scene for the duration of the incident. The fire department had 21 personnel on scene for three hours to extinguish the fire. The department also recalled 7 personnel to staff additional engine companies to aid in routine response calls during the incident.
The fire began from a sconce light on the second floor balcony and entered the attic. The fire grew very quickly and burned through thick timbers in a very short amount of time. Engines 1 and 3 made entry into the sanctuary and climbed the stairwell to find heavy fire pushing from the attic, through the ceiling, and into the sanctuary. It was difficult for fire crews to reach the seat of the fire due to it's location within the attic, but fire crews were able to extinguish the flames and save the church. The incident involved setting up two aerial apparatus to open up the roof to allow for vertical ventilation of trapped smoke and heat.
Fire Marshal Guill determined the fire originated from faulty electrical wiring.
A special thanks to the Danville Police Department for traffic and scene control, the Danville Life Saving Crew for providing on scene medical monitoring, and drone coverage; and the Danville Utility Department for controlling the utilities of the church.
- Battalion Chief William Smotherman