OAK ISLAND — One home on 41st Street in Oak Island is a total loss to a fire, while its two neighboring properties also experienced structural damage from the flames.
No humans were injured during the fire, however, four dogs owned by the family at 318 NE 41st St. died during the incident.
The source of fire is still undetermined.
The Oak Island Fire Department were dispatched to the fire Sunday night and arrived six minutes later, but the entire home was already consumed by the blaze. The fire was contained within 45 minutes.
The department was assisted by Boiling Spring Lakes Fire and Rescue, Brunswick County EMS, Southport Fire Department, St. James Fire Department, Sunny Point Fire and Rescue, Supply Volunteer Fire Department, Winnabow Volunteer Fire Department the Oak Island Police Department.
In the announcement of the fire’s outcome, Oak Island also addressed concerns over water pressure in town hydrants. However, the town stated “at no point was the amount of pressure or volume flow from the fire hydrants an issue,” hindering response.
“The Fire Department has received questions over reported concerns of water pressure from the fire hydrants, and if they hindered response to this fire,” the town wrote in a press release. We believe this is due to misinformation spread on social media, as a result of conversations heard from bystanders at the scene.”
According to the town’s rundown of events, the first arriving unit began fighting the fire with an on-board water supply of 500 gallons, while a second unit worked to connect a supply hose from the hydrant. While the hydrant was being connected, the on-board water supply was exhausted, which caused a brief delay in water flow until the hydrant could be charged. The response actions listed above would simply not have been possible without regularly tested and properly working hydrants, according to the town.
Hydrant testing and maintenance is performed every year by the fire department in October and November. This is required by the North Carolina Department of Insurance to maintain the current Fire Protection Classification Rating.
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