Fire Buffs promote the general welfare of the fire and rescue service and protect its heritage and history. Famous Fire Buffs through the years include New York Fire Surgeon Harry Archer, Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler, New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and - legend has it - President George Washington.

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

FAIRFAX & UTAH

 
Clarendon's Truck 74 was on the first alarm assignment

 
Stream from portable monitor atop church visible to far right of Truck 74

Photos: Falls Church Volunteer Fire Dept.

Truck 76 from Falls Church and Tower 28 from Seven Corners

Fire erupted on the top floors of a high-rise under construction at Fairfax Drive and North Utah Street in Ballston on a chilly Sunday afternoon in late 1986 or early 1987 - and the was ample fuel for a spectacular blaze.

"
The fire involved wood formings holding freshly poured concrete. Additionally, propane cylinders in place as warming devices for the concrete fueled the fire," according to the Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department website.

Cylinders exploded and at least one went airborne like a rocket. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries. Crews remains on the scene into the night dampening the debris. Some feared sections of the fresh concrete would give way early on.

C-C-C-COLD DAY


Photo: Falls Church Volunteer Fire Dept.
Ice weighs down power lines during salvage and overhaul operations at  house fire in January 1982