12/20/10 - Mason duplex fire, 126 E. Cherry St

The Mason Fire Department responded to a house fire on Monday night, December 20, 2010. At 11:37 PM, firefighters were sent to 126 E. Cherry St. First arriving command reported a two story dwelling with heavy smoke from the second floor. They were able to observe inside and noted that a part of the second floor had already collapsed into the first floor. Because of this danger, no firefighters were allowed to enter and the initial attack was made from the exterior. Rescue 806 approached from the east, grabbing their own hydrant from the corner of Cherry & Barnes, their preconnects were deployed to knock down the fire which was now visible from both floors in the A-B corner. Tower 808 came in from the west with Tanker 811 right behind them to get the hydrant at Cherry & Jefferson. The Tower deployed their preconnect lines as well as setting up for aerial operations. Engine 809 approached from an alley on the "C" side of the structure and stretched a line to assist with the attack. Command requested mutual aid manpower from the Delhi Township and Dansville fire departments. An exterior attack was made on all sides to knock down the main body of the fire, and interior access was made to finish extinguishment and overhaul when conditions and visibility permitted. Firefighters battled for 2 1/2 hours before declaring the fire out. The red cross was called in to assist the occupants of both units in the duplex.