Multiple Alarms on Mother's Day

On Sunday, May 13th at approximately 1130 hours, Engine Company 25 and surrounding Companies were alerted for a report of a building fire. The reported address ,5100 Auth Way, Company 29's first due area. Truck 29 was in service on the air for driver training at the time and was dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival Truck 29 reported "heavy smoke" conditions on side Charlie. The smoke issuing from a garage door in the work shop area of an automobile dealership. Uncertain of volume and extent of the fire and without an Engine Company on scene, the Officer in Charge of Truck 29 requested a Second Alarm. Engine 251 was dispatched as second due on the original alarm assignment, Engine 231 arrived sooner and assumed the 2nd due responsibilities. Engine 251 and crew of five, proceeded to the rear position (side Charlie) after laying a supply line. Gaining access to the rear after the chain link fence was cut by Truck 29 personnel, the crew of Engine 251 advanced a 250' preconnect 2" hand line and initiated an agressive attack. The on scene commander directed Engine 251's office, Lt. John Rivera, to place a portable master stream device in service. During this same period supply lines were connected to both Truck Compnay 29 and Tower 33 for master stream operations. Total time on the fireground was seven and one half hours. Interior attack was not initiated due to concerns for building stability and firefighter safety. The findings for cause of the fire was originally placed on a problem with a large Recreational Vehicle which was about 20 to 25 feet inside the facility shop area.