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Last Wednesday, Beulah Fire Department automatic aid companies were dispatched to the 200 block of Lee Road 790 due to a reported residential structure fire following an explosion.

Beulah Fire arrived on the scene approximately five minutes after the initial 911 call. Upon their arrival, they encountered a large single-story wood-frame residence engulfed in heavy smoke and flames. Additionally, they discovered a nearby outdoor structure fully ablaze, with a 200-gallon propane tank venting pressure and producing a dangerous 50-foot flame that posed a threat to surrounding structures.

Firefighters promptly divided into crews and deployed multiple attack lines, a hose line for an aggressive interior fire attack on the primary residence, a hose line to protect the propane tank and prevent a potential BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion), and another line directed at the neighboring residence to avert fire spread. 

Approximately ten minutes after the fire department’s arrival, the liquid propane fire was brought under control, and it was confirmed that there was no fire extension into the neighboring home. All fire crews on the scene then focused on attacking the interior fire of the primary residence using two hose lines while simultaneously conducting a primary search for any occupants who might be trapped inside.

Firefighters faced zero visibility conditions and encountered multiple obstacles, such as high ceilings and limited access to the attic, which complicated their efforts to extinguish the flames. 

They shifted their attack to a corner in the carport, accessing the attic through an attic hatch. Inside the attic, they again encountered zero visibility and extreme heat. While engaged in their attack, all units were evacuated from the structure as the fire began self-venting through the roof, risking structural collapse. Just moments after exiting the attic, a flashover occurred, causing all combustible materials within to ignite simultaneously.

Firefighters then transitioned to an exterior attack using large-diameter attack lines to control the blaze. During operations, water shuttle crews faced additional challenges, including a nearby fire hydrant losing pressure due to a ruptured local water line. The next nearest hydrant was approximately a mile away. The fire was officially declared under control at 8:45 p.m. 

The investigation revealed that the fire originated from a nearby controlled burn that spread uncontrollably. It ignited an outdoor structure and subsequently the propane tank, which led to the aggressive fire spreading into the nearby residence. Fortunately, no injuries were reported at the scene, and the home was unoccupied at the time of the blaze.

The Beulah Fire Department deployed six apparatus and 15 personnel, remaining on the scene for six and a half hours before returning to service.