02-04-2004
Bill's Welding Shop
Hwy 70, Statesville

The call came in that a structure was a working fire.  Units arriving on scene found smoke coming from the building.  The workers stated they thought a rag was on fire and after not finding one, noticed the area at the ceiling was heavily involved in smoke.  They evacuated the building.  The building contained propane, acetylene, and oxygen which caused periodic explosions or relief values releasing.  As the fire burned a whole through the roof, the ventilation gave the fire more air and the fire came through the rear of the business as the roof collapsed.  The local US Hwy 70 was shut down due to hoses being laid across the highway.  Units from Statesville Fire, Monticello, West Iredell, Troutman, Trinity, Wayside, Shepherd, Stony Point, Iredell County Air Van, Cool Springs & Iredell Rescue were activated.  Sorry this page is so large to load, but I thought all the pictures were worth showing.

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Smoke coming from building shortly after call came in.

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Units were attempting to gain entry as smoke came from building.

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A metal saw cut a hole through the door and units started applying water.

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After initial knock down, firemen proceed inside.

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Fire breaks through the roof causing thicker smoke.

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Other units are preparing to cut through the back door for access.

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Locked doors have firemen prying each open as they come to them.

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Air packs start running out and refills are being put on.

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Heavy smoke pours from the rear of the building.

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A longer look as the smoke came from the building.

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Just before the flames came through the roof on the rear of the building.

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Firemen have the fire erupt as they position.

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Fire coming through the roof overwhelms the building.

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Water going on the fire is not doing much good.

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Dark clouds of smoke go up in the sky.

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The end of building has the roof collapsing into the building.

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The end of the building is consumed.

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Deluge gun set up in the front of the building.

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Smaller hand lines go in the side entrance.

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Looking at acetylene tank that has popped the pressure relief valve.

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The peak of the roof is falling into the building.

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Firefighter on the hose at back of the building.

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Command decisions being made.

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Owners and firemen looking in the front door to business surveying damage.

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Looking over the shoulder of fireman shooting water through the window.

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West Iredell Telesquirt getting a view of the roof.

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Looking at Telesquirt from front.

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Flowing water to roof area from the Telesquirt.

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Shooting water the length of the building.

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Wall bowing out the back of the building.

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