Contaminated water forced career staff out of Brooke’s Company 5 for nearly a month, delaying the first response to Saturday’s devastating house fire on Indian Point Road that resulted in a total loss of the property.
Two career personnel normally work 24-hour shifts at Company 5 and cross-staff Engine/Tanker 1505 and Medic 1505. Those firefighters had been staged at Company 2 since July 15 due to water quality problems, according to County Fire Chief Joseph Cardello. They returned to Company 5 on Tuesday after the latest water tests showed no hazards.
When the 1:45 a.m. fire was reported Aug. 8 in the 100 block of Indian Point Road — inside Company 5’s first-due area — the first suppression unit on scene was Engine 1502 from Station 2, arriving in approximately 16 minutes. By the time crews arrived, fire had already spread from an attached garage through the two-story home and into the attic and roof. Two occupants were displaced; no one was injured. The fire was brought under control in about 45 minutes with help from Fredericksburg firefighters.
Cardello previously said water testing at Company 5 found high levels of iron and manganese, a positive result for coliform bacteria, and elevated turbidity. The filtration system was replaced Aug. 7. Electrical wiring and other building issues still need attention, and officials continue working with volunteer leadership at Company 5 on repairs.
A full rebuild of Brooke Station 5 remains in the county’s capital improvement plan after earlier assessments described the existing building as being in extremely poor condition.
A community meeting on Brooke Volunteer Fire Department safety concerns is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight at the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Training Center, 1326 Courthouse Road. Details here.
