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Two alarms were struck on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 5919 Hourglass Court. Dispatched 3:21 a.m. as a multi-residential structure fire. While units were en route, dispatch reported receiving multiple calls. Upgraded to working fire. 

Engine 17 first-arriving at a two-story row of townhomes, with heavy fire in the front and rear of a second-from-end unit. Behind the fire unit, a gas meter was burning along with a number of vehicles. Two lines were taken inside for fire attack.

Arriving fire units also found three injured occupants: adult woman with serious burns, adult woman who jumped from a second-story window, and adult male with smoke inhalation. Firefighters began patient care and assisted arriving Wake County EMS units, who transported all three WakeMed hospital. One firefighter also received minor injuries and was treated on scene. 

Crews were subsequently withdrawn from the fire unit, and aerial operations were started with Ladder 14 and Ladder 4. By this time, fire was showing through the roof of the fire unit. Heavy fire had also spread to the adjoining end unit and was also showing through the roof. 

Exterior lines were also used, during defensive operations. After the fire had been knocked down, interior operations resumed in the fire unit, where crews could access. Ladder 15 was also used for access, having replaced Ladder 4, after Ladder 4 experienced mechanical issues with their manually operated nozzle. 

Second alarm was requested at 3:32 a.m. Staging area was set at nearby Fire Station 17. Fire was marked under control at 4:49 a.m. Units remained on scene for a number of hours. 

The fire unit had 1,978 square-feet, including a full basement. Built 2006, from tax records. With six units in the entire structure. At least five parked cars were also damaged, parked outside and inside the units. 

Run card included:

First alarm: E16, E17, E18, E23, L23, L4, R16, B3, B4, ISO14, Durham Highway E4 [replaced with E1?]
Added: Durham Highway E1, 200
Added: L14
Working fire: A10 B5 INV1 DC1
Second alarm: E29, E9, E4, E8, L15, L20 
Added: Logistics Chief

Medical:
EMS 12, 14, 40, T1 [did it respond?], D5
Second alarm: EMS 42, 73, M93, D1
Chief 200

Mike Legeros photo