IRVING, Texas - Irving firefighters battled a fully involved outdoor storage shed fire Sunday evening while dealing with extreme heat and winds that helped spread the flames to nearby fencing and vegetation.
On Sunday, Aug. 9, Irving Fire Department Engine 2 arrived in the 500 block of Gilbert and found the storage shed engulfed in flames.
Firefighters immediately deployed hose lines and began suppression operations. The fire had extended beyond the shed, igniting fencing surrounding the property and nearby vegetation.
As crews worked to contain the flames, occupants of the main residential building were evacuated as a precaution.
Firefighters ultimately extinguished the blaze and determined that the fire had not extended into the main residence.
No injuries were reported.
Firefighters Worked in Extreme Heat
The fire occurred during particularly difficult weather conditions for crews wearing heavy protective equipment.
The outside temperature that evening was approximately 98 degrees, with a RealFeel temperature estimated between 102 and 105 degrees. Winds were also reported at approximately 20 mph, adding another challenge as firefighters worked to prevent flames from spreading to surrounding property.
Structural firefighting protective gear can weigh roughly 59 pounds, and a firefighter's total load can become substantially heavier when carrying tools and other equipment. Depending on the assignment and equipment being carried, the total weight can approach 130 pounds.
Those conditions meant firefighters were performing physically demanding suppression work while wearing heavy protective equipment in triple-digit heat index conditions.
Multiple Irving Fire Units Respond
A significant response was dispatched to the incident. Responding Irving Fire Department units included:
M5, B1, B2, 522, E6, E5, E2, 521, T2 and T7.
Despite the fire spreading to fencing and vegetation, crews were able to contain it before it reached the main residential structure.
The cause of the fire was not immediately released.
