On Tuesday July 22 2014, The Royal Oak Fire Department (MI) sent a single station response to a reported wire down at Mandalay & 14 Mile. While enroute, dispatch advised they were receiving reports of a house fire at 4715 Mandalay and a full box alarm response was started. Engine 9-20 arrived on the scene and found a one-story dwelling with fire showing from the rear.

Command reported wires down and arcing at the scene. Crews attempted entry and discovered the dwelling was electrically charged. There were charged high-tension lines down on the house.Two firemen got blown off the porch trying too go in.

Command then ordered all companies away from the dwelling and defensive operations until the utilities could be secured. Due to the heavy fire conditions and an inability to secure the electricity to the dwelling, defensive operations continued and exposure lines were put in place. The power company took two hours to get on scene.

After the power was secured companies were able to extinguish what remained of the fire. The dwelling was a total loss; crews operated for three hours on this scene to bring the fire under control. Royal Oak Stations 1, 2 & 3 responded with station coverage mutual aid from the Ferndale & Birmingham Fire Departments.

Photos by Dennis Walus © 2014

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

Dennis Walus photo

The rest of the images from this incident can be seen at: http://www.detroitfiregroundimages.com/Fire-Scenes/Royal-Oak-Box-Alarm-4715/43103072_3sw4n6#!i=3405794702&k=w3vSqZT