[JULY 13, 2005] The newly established Mutual Aid Box Alarm
System was no more than just completed when it was put to use by
Lincoln Fire Chief Robert "Bucky" Washam. About a year ago the city
agreed to join the statewide organization where departments agree to
share resources in time of need. But it was only about July 1 that
all the agreements for various participating departments were
completed and in.
On Monday, the Lincoln Fire Department received a call out to heavy
smoke coming from an abandoned building in the 200 block of North
Chicago Street. While trucks were yet en route to the scene,
observations of increasing smoke and flames led Washam to first call
for a second alarm and then place a second call for MABAS
activation. Eight or nine departments came to assist in a short
time. They not only supplied the needed manpower but also different
equipment that allowed the blaze to be mostly contained to the one
building.
The early intervention and backup from the support departments
were of great value, Washam said. The fire had quickly jumped at the
roof and went down into the Kenshalo-Rousey and Quality Glass
building. The Lincoln firefighters were able to focus on getting
into that building and keep the fire from spreading. It could easily
have taken that building and gotten out of control and taken the
whole block.
One firefighter, Jeff Singleton, sustained injury to his shoulder
while trying to gain access through a door at the second building.
It took an hour to gain control of the fire and two hours to
address hot spots. Firefighters left the scene after approximately
four hours, the chief said.
The building is owned by Steve Evans of Clinton. It was not
insured. Cleanup is anticipated to cost $15,000 to $20,000.
