When the fire department answered the call smoke was already coming out the third floor. One Lakewood Policeman nearby mentioned they had people at the scene within 1 minute of the call.
Lakewood fire fighters break the glass to vent house and get water in the house. But look at the window they are standing in front of.
Seconds later the room erupted in flame, What had been going on is that the fire probably started in the basement, traveled across the ceiling into the siding of the house. The smoke that had been seen was the house, the whole house burning.
Fire fighters down and safe, time to get water on it.
Getting water on the flames.
Smoke turning white means water is getting to the fire and the hot spots.
At one point these fire fighters were all in the burning house.
The back of the house shows the same kind of smoke and damage.
As the fire becomes manageable some of the fire fighters take a break, getting water and new air tanks before going back in.
While it looks bad, it could be much worse. With no one home someone had to notice the smoke and call.
Even with a quick response, as you could see here the house was already burning heavily, and erupted in fire. Still the structure was saved, as were the homes right next to it, and no one was hurt.
See all the photos from beginning to end here: http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/ ... ing-garden
Great work Lakewood Fire and Police!
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