CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (WDBJ) - A fire in Clifton Forge sparked more than just flames. The town said it highlighted an issue with hydrants in the area.
The structure was engulfed in flames early Tuesday morning.
Fire crews from multiple agencies spent hours battling the blaze before clearing the scene around 9 o’clock.
“My dog alerted me to a fire outside and I opened the door and see a column of smoke and flames going up in the air. Immediately called 911 and run over here to make sure that the owner is out of the house, and he was, thankfully safe,” said Chuck Skelding.
Skelding lives a few houses down from the home where the fire took place.
Once officials arrived, he noticed firefighters struggled to get water from the hydrant next to his house, causing concern.
“They had to call for tanker trucks to shuttle water into here because the fire hydrants weren’t working in the area,” added Skelding.
Clifton Forge Town Manager Chuck Unroe said the reason for the multiple tanker trucks was the neighborhood having red “low-volume” fire hydrants that pump out 500 gallons of water or less per minute.
“When you fight a fire and you tap multiple hydrants, you’re on the same system, you’re robbing water from each other,” said Unroe.
Unroe said the town is working diligently to resolve the issue, adding the fire was a huge learning lesson for them as they previously weren’t aware of that neighborhood only having red hydrants.
“We are actually taking action and looking into it, to get plans on the books, to get something done to improve the fire protection in that area,” Unroe said.
We spoke with the homeowner off camera, and he was thankful to the firefighters and is glad nobody was hurt, something Skelding echoed.
“Thank you to all the firefighters, first responders. Clifton Forge Fire Department, Selma and Iron Gate Fire Departments for their multiple responses out here and all the volunteers that came out to help,” Skelding closed.
The Clifton Forge Volunteer Fire Department Superintendent said the fire is still under investigation.