August 4th, 18:25 hours...

Right after shift change I was in my office reading email when the tones went off reporting a house fire at 31 Vine Street, dispatching Engines 1 and 3, Ladder 2, Rescue 1 and Car 2.

As I turend onto Vine Street, I spotted the hydrant for the first due engine company and pulled up just beyond the home. There was smoke puffing from around the dormer.

I struck the the first alarm on arrival, and radioed orders to the first due…