Fire Departments Battle Hot, Humid Weather While Containing Fire

Members of the Hampden-Sydney and Darlington Heights Volunteer Fire Departments responded Sunday to a fire call at 7968 Abilene Road in Farmville. The address is that of Granny B’s Convenience Store, near the intersection of Abilene Road and Route 133. However, upon arrival, the fire crews had no trouble finding the fire judging from the thick plume of grey smoke rising from the yard of the home next door, owned by Tony Ford.  The fire was contained inside of a privacy fence in the backyard of the Ford residence. The fenced-in area contained a boat and several old vehicles, along with various other equipment in an outbuilding. The building had collapsed by the time crews responded. While the fire was quickly brought under control, it did offer a unique “on the job” training opportunity for the Chief of the Hampden-Sydney Fire Department to take advantage of for the sake of his men. While the Chief kept an eye on the progress of the fire’s containment, he steadily rotated men and in and out of service, giving them all a position at the head of the fully charged, 2 ½” water hose being used. The thick smoke, along with the hot and humid weather, made for especially tough conditions on Sunday.  Full damages caused by the fire have not yet been completely determined. There was no damage to Granny B’s next door. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.