Fire Department

An observant neighbor called for emergency help Saturday when they noticed water flowing out the front door of a nearby residence. The home was recently purchased but the new homeowner hadn’t yet settled in. Nobody appeared to be home at the time.

Engine Company 12 responded to the address and found the front door had significant amounts of water dripping out of it. Ice was forming on the entire entryway and front steps. Firefighters could also tell that moisture was building up on the insides of the windows. Peering through the windows, firefighters saw water pouring out the ceiling and running along the floors. It was clear to them they needed to intervene immediately.

Firefighters were able to gain access to the home thanks to the help of a neighbor who had the garage code. As Engine Co. 12 passed through the first floor, water poured through light fixtures and down drywall seams. The crew split up, sending one firefighter upstairs to find the water source and others down to the basement to shut off the water and electricity.

The firefighter upstairs noticed a cold water valve was leaking water in one of the bathrooms. Water was actively flowing out of the valve and was determined to be the source of the problem. After water and electricity were shut down, the crew came back together and walked through the house to make sure there were no injured people or other hazards in the house.

Damage to the home interior is severe and extends to the basement, where over an inch of water accumulated. With the help of MFD’s Officer In Charge and the Chief’s Aide, firefighters were able to reach the homeowner and notify her of the situation. She responded to the home, where Engine 12 escorted her through the property and explained their actions. She was advised to keep the electricity off due to the water damage and life-threatening hazards of water coming in contact with electrical wiring. The owner was advised to contact her insurance company immediately.