Back to Back Basement Fires
 
By Third Class Fire Fighter Al Smiley
December 10, 2019
 

On Wednesday at approximately 2:46 PM, the West Chester Fire Department was dispatched to the 900 block of East Penn Drive for the reported House Fire. Engine 52-1 (Capt M. Dimeo) arrived as the first due engine placing an 1 3/4" handline in service. Engine 51-2 arrived as the 2nd due engine securing 52-1's water supply, along with ladder 53. Engine 52-2 (FF T. Ruzat) arrived 3rd due engine and secured a 2nd water supply, followed by Air 52 (FF A. Smiley). Units operated for a short time before the incident was placed under control. Squad 52 (Lt C. Davis) also made the response.

The following night on Thursday at approximately 11:37 PM, the West Chester Fire Department was dispatched to the 10 block of Broadway Ave for the reported House Fire. Engine 51-2 arrived as the First Due engine to find a fire in the basement followed by Ladder 53 and Engine 52-2 (Capt M. Dimeo) which arrived as the Second Due engine and secured 51-2's water supply, followed by engine 53 who secured the hydrant. Units put 2 1 3/4" handlines in service and the fire was quickly knocked. Units operated for a few hours and later returned available. Air 52 (FF K. McCorkle) also made the response.

 
Units: Engine 52-2, Engine 52-1, Air 52, Squad 52, Assistant 52
 
Mutual Aid: E