Lack of hydrants hampers firefighters at Plainville blaze

Plainville- Plainville fire department responded to a fire at 75 Walnut St at 8:45 pm on Tuesday night. The 911 call came from a neighbor of the residence. Upon arrival firefighters had heavy fire showing from a bed room window and the roof above the bed room of the single story ranch home. Plainville firefighters made a valliant effort to save the home however due to the lack of fire hydrants in the area were quickly pulled out of the building by Fire Lieutenant JR Skinner. Firefighters ran out of water several times before a water supply could be established from a considerable distance away. Due to the lack of water supply in the area the fire quickly spread while frustrated firefighters from Plainville, North Attleboro, Wrentham and Norfolk could only stand by and watch as the fire engulfed the home. Several people were home at the time of the blaze, however no one was injured and every one made it out safely. Foxboro fire covered the Plainville fire house during the incident. Photos and story by Scott Langille

Comments

[ACFB]

It's no secret that several towns in the area have areas that are not protected by hydrants. With all due respect to Chief Bushnell, we have proven areas without hydrants can be adequately protected. Like any other fire sevice specialty, tanker shuttle works but the commitment to constant training on it needs to be there in order to become proficient. We come into structure fires with 14,500 gallons on wheels. If you can't put it out with that, it's going in the cellar anyway wether you have hydrants or not. The fact is in these days of early detection and 1 or 2 room & content fires being the norm we rarely go beyond the first tanker for water supply but if things turn to s*** a shuttle can be rapidly set up. The other trick with tankers is you think you need them it's too late. Get them moving right after the initial dispatch. It's always easier to turn them around thnn it is to stand on the front lawn with a dry hose waiting for them!