FIRE & EMS WATCH
Police officer risks life to search for house fire victim
Becky Robinette Wright

Multiple people were injured during this head-on collision at the intersection of Castlewood Road and Caldwell Avenue.

A county police officer risked his life late last month when he responded to a residence in the 17100 block of Midlothian Turnpike.

Officer A.E. Podpora was the first to arrive on scene and found heavy smoke, fire and chaos. It was believed a resident was still inside the home. Nearby trees were already engulfed in flames, and a propane tank beside the home was in danger of exploding. However, those dangers didn't stop Podpora from entering the burning home to search for the missing resident, but the heat beat him back. Later, it was learned the resident had escaped before Podpora arrived and was safe at a neighbor's house.

Fire crews battled the blaze where the back walls were already collapsing from the intense flames. Crews from Powhatan County were called in to assist Midlothian, Swift Creek, Courthouse and Cloverhill firefighters. Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad provided EMS support with an ambulance from Powhatan assisting.

Long way down - The driver of this vehicle lost control and went down an embankment after going around a curve too fast.

Two house fires

It was a two-for-one night on Jan. 25 when Chesterfield firefighters battled a house blaze at Dulwich Road, and were then called to another house fire at Bluffside Drive before even making it back to the station from the first call. Crews arrived at the Dulwich scene to find fire shooting through the roof and children carrying out furniture and personal items. The family spoke limited English, presenting a language challenge for emergency personnel. Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control.

Crews arrived on scene at Bluffside to find the home fully involved with fire. Heavy smoke filled the neighborhood and nearby Beulah Road. After determining no one was home, firefighters decided to use the aerial ladder truck to contain the blaze since the roof was collapsing, making it unsafe for firefighters to enter the home. Officials say the home is likely a total loss, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Federal firefighters from Defense Supply Center Richmond were called in for additional help.

Head-on collision

Fire and EMS along with police responded to a head-on collision involving multiple vehicles on Jan 26 at the intersection of Castlewood Road and Caldwell Avenue. Several patients were transported to the hospital, but their conditions have not been released. There's no word from police on if charges will be filed.

Basement fire

Firefighters responded to 3134 Newington Dr. on Jan 28 for a basement fire. Officials discovered the floor was sagging and in danger of collapsing while the fire was also spreading upstairs. The home's resident had been asleep but got out safely. Neighboring townhouses were evacuated. It took an hour for almost 30 firefighters to bring the fire under control. Fire Marshal Keith Chambers said the blaze was caused by discarded smoking materials.

Vehicle down embankment

Rescue crews and police responded to a vehicle down an embankment on Shoremeade Road on Jan 24. First responders from the Bensley and Dale stations arrived to find the vehicle on its side at the bottom of a steep ravine. The vehicle was unoccupied. No further information has been made available.