Two Commercial Fires in the 51 Local
 
By First Class Fire Fighter Dave Smiley Jr.
March 3, 2018
 

At 2009 hours on Friday March 2, Station 51 was dispatched to the unit block of South Church Street for the report of a lamp post on fire. Engine 51-2 and Engine 51-1 responded to find an underground electrical fire burning in the 100 block of West Market Street, and requested the upgrade. Engine 52-2 (FF Ruzat) responded within seconds, and arrived as the third due engine, assuming second due engine responsibilities. Crews found a working fire in the basement of 110 West Market Street, and placed three hand lines inservice. Engine 52-1 (FF T. Crum) arrived as the fourth due engine, and the crew placed a 400' 1.75" inservice from Engine 52-2. While operating, several electrical surges occurred within the block, and command ordered all members evacuate until PECO arrived. Due to a severe storm in the area, PECO responded approximately 60 minutes after being requested, and smoke was found pushing from the basement of 108 West Market Street. While numerous crews operated at 110, multiple companies also went into service to handle the fire at 108. Command requested all stand-by companies into the scene, as well as Goshen Fire Company. The assignment eventually went to the equivalent of two alarms before being placed under control. All units were clear of the scene by 0130 hours on March 3rd.