Photos/Story By David Quaderer

At 9:19 A.M. January 29th, 2002, - Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue (Bradenton Florida) responded to a reported Explosion and Structure Fire at the Woodcrest Apartment Complex, 4915 26th St West in Bradenton.

Within 3 minutes the first engine was on scene and operating. They found a two story building heavily involved in fire.

An aggressive interior attack was initiated by CHFR E-221 with Lieutenant Mike DeChelbor and FF Troy Toman making initial entry.

The second due Engine Company led by Captain Al Lobeto arrived on the scene and began ventilation and search and rescue operations inside the structure.

Battalion Chief Phil Collier arrived on scene and assumed command of this A Shift fire.

Eventually three Engine Companies, as well as additional Staff and Command Level Personnel responded to the scene, for a total of 15 Fire Department Personnel on scene.

The fire started in a maintenance room and quickly spread to the apartment above according to Fire Marshal Dan Center.

Fire climbed the outside of the structure and entered the attic via the eves.

The Structure involved was a two story frame building with the management office, maintenance area, and apartment, and common laundry connected.

The apartment and maintenance areas were destroyed by the fire.

The estimated value of the structure and contents lost in the fire approximately are not yet available.

For more info see our web site at www.chfr.org