Mechanicsville Firefighters attend Controlled Burning at Vacant Farm
 
By Firefighter/EMT Ronald K Raley
September 9, 2000
 

On Saturday, September 9, 2000, the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department performed a service call on Mechanicsville Road. An old farm was to be cleared by a contractor. Our job was to initiate a controlled burn involving a barn and a trailer which rested on the property. Apparatus was set up to control exposure problems and firefighters stood by to ensure everyone's safety.
 
Units: Engine 24, Brush 2, Jeep 2A, & Utility 2
 
Firefighters began to watch the barn engulf in flames.
Firefighters began to watch the barn engulf in flames.
Interior shot of the barn.
Interior shot of the barn.
 
It didn't take long for the barn to get hot.
It didn't take long for the barn to get hot.
After a couple of minutes, fire began to show on the exterior of the barn.
After a couple of minutes, fire began to show on the exterior of the barn.
 
Lieutenant Bellevou watches the burning structure. Does his shirt say Tower 69?
Lieutenant Bellevou watches the burning structure. Does his shirt say Tower 69?
Lieutenant Bellevou and Firefighter Hooker pose for the camera.
Lieutenant Bellevou and Firefighter Hooker pose for the camera.
 
Proud Cadets from the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department.
Proud Cadets from the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department.
Firefighters had to back up to avoid the intense heat of the barn.
Firefighters had to back up to avoid the intense heat of the barn.
 
The barn collapses after about a half hour.
The barn collapses after about a half hour.
Firefighter Hayden protecting exposures.
Firefighter Hayden protecting exposures.
 
The living room ignited quickly which sent heavy flames out the front door.
The living room ignited quickly which sent heavy flames out the front door.
After a short time, windows started to break and the flames went through the roof.
After a short time, windows started to break and the flames went through the roof.
 
Heavy fire and smoke exiting through the front door of the trailer.
Heavy fire and smoke exiting through the front door of the trailer.
The walls began to cave while the flames became more intense.
The walls began to cave while the flames became more intense.
 
Heavy gray smoke rolls out of the left side of the trailer.
Heavy gray smoke rolls out of the left side of the trailer.
Flames also consume nearby trees and brush.
Flames also consume nearby trees and brush.
 
An image of the trailer after about an hour of burning.
An image of the trailer after about an hour of burning.
The owners of the land also wanted the FD to burn this old van.
The owners of the land also wanted the FD to burn this old van.
 
Firefighters watch the flames from a distance.
Firefighters watch the flames from a distance.
The van didn't take long before the tires and windows blew out.
The van didn't take long before the tires and windows blew out.
 
The barn at noon. Firefighters are ready to go home.
The barn at noon. Firefighters are ready to go home.
The trailer continues to smolder.
The trailer continues to smolder.
 
Fire climbs up the wall on the abandoned trailer.
Fire climbs up the wall on the abandoned trailer.