Quick Check Fire in Independence

At approximately 5:00 pm on Friday, April 29th, the Galax Fire Department was toned out to a request for mutual aid by the Independence Fire Department. A structure fire was reported at the Quick Check in downtown Independence with flames showing. The request came in for an engine and ladder truck indicating a large fire. Upon arrival, the crew of Engine 2 pulled a 200′ preconnect to the front door to support the Independence hoseline. Two mixed teams of Independence and Galax firemen were formed and both hoselines advanced into the structure. Visibility was absolutely zero. Two thermal imaging cameras revealed heavy fire in the ceiling. Both hoselines were trained on the ceiling which pushed some of the smoke away increasing visibility. The hose teams then split with one breaking left and the other right. Fire was then found floor to ceiling in the kitchen area and extinguished. Teams moved into the grocery store area to check for extension. Heavy extension was found and extinguished. Firemen andvanced to the back office to remove records and computers before completing overhaul.
In the mean time, a five inch supply line was laid from Galax Wagon 9 to supply Tower 11 and Engine 2. Tower 11 was set and raised to check the roof area and to prepare to transition to a defensive attack if needed.
The fire was deemed under control. Lengthy overhaul was begun in the kitchen, storage room, and roof area. Galax picked up after one hour, just in time to send a crew to Glade Springs to assist with tornado recovery efforts.
As always, it was awesome working with the guys from Independence and Elk Creek. Excellent team effort!!