Members of DTVFD began staffing units at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, in anticipation of an incoming snow storm which began only moments later. As the snow fell, Utility 503 was one of the main units used to treat and plow Company 3 and 17 Fire and Rescue Stations.
By 6:00 p.m. nearly 10 inches of snow had fallen pushing most drivers and visitors in the D.C. Metro area indoors. Fire and EMS alarms as well as public service calls began to come in steadily as the weight of snow collapsed trees and power lines all over Prince William County.
Overnight and well into the weekend Engine 503, Attack 503, Utility 503, and Battalion Chief 507F, continued running calls of all sorts. As power failed to area residents, many people began digging out of nearly 22 inches of snow on Saturday.
These events and the snow continued well into Sunday afternoon. Duty crews found themselves constantly digging and shoveling snow to make passage to medical patients and to access fire alarms, fire hydrants, and emergency vehicles which became stuck on local roadways.
After a quick dinner on Sunday evening, around 10:00 p.m. units were dispatched to an unconscious person call, immediately followed by a house fire on Barnett Circle. While returning to the station Attack 503 added to the structure fire and received reports en-route that the access roads to the fire were blocked by fallen trees.
Engine 503 was the prime unit responding and updated that the way was clear thus far. As Attack 503 arrived on the scene they reported nothing showing on sides A and D. As its personnel approached the house responding units began having trouble making it beyond the deep snow and ice on local roadways.
Upon further investigation and after hearing several units being stuck, BC507F arrived to take Barnett Command. Attack 503's officer then made a quick 360 of the house and reported fire inside on side A. With Engine 503's personnel making their way to the fire on foot, Attack 503's personnel repositioned their unit and made an interior attack from the doorway. Next they began ventilation efforts noticing fire extension in the walls and ceiling. Engine 503's personnel arrived to assist Attack 503 with a 1 ¾ inch line and a booster line on the interior.
Shortly afterwards, National Guard HMMWVs (Hummers) delivered personnel from Engine 517, Engine 512, and Truck 531. Water supply was established directly off of a nearby hydrant as crews continued searches, dousing hot-spots, ventilation, salvage, and overhaul.
Attack 503 was replaced by Brush 503 and remained on scene to provide light and manpower to Fire Marshall 521. All other units cleared and returned to service when ready.
Local media reported that the fire began due to a stove that was left on accidentally. After power was later restored to the neighborhood, the home's occupants stated that they had returned to find the kitchen on fire and called 911. One occupant was transported to a local hospital for smoke injuries by Medic 512.
