At 07:40 hours Stafford E.C.C. dispatched a residential fire at 900 Ficklen Road in the Highland Homes Subdivision. Engine 1 arrived on scene to find a large ordinary constructed home with smoke showing from side Charlie. As the Engine crew was stretching the 300 a deputy sheriff reported to the OIC that there were possibly multiple subjects trapped. Engine 1's crew got in position, called for water, and began extinguishing the two rooms off in the rear. The Engine officer then broke off from the attack crew, scaled a exterior spiral staircase to a porch roof and performed V.E.S. (vent,enter,search) on a window directly above the fire room. Medic 11 also went operational to assist the officer with the searches that proved negative. Quint 12 and Engine 1 Bravo arrived with the Quint taking the first due truck duties. Engine 1 Bravo ran the back-up line. Battalion Chief 1 held the "Ficklen Command". Assistant Chief 1 was assigned the "Division 1 Supervisor" on his arrival. The fire was extinguished within 5 minutes and extensive overhaul was conducted by all first alarm units. The home was built in the 1800's and contained over 8 rooms. It was also being used as a rooming house which hampered search efforts but all units performed exceptionally well under the circumstances. The fire is under investigation. Engine 1 returned to service at 10:31 hours.
