| On Monday, October 8, Stations 51, 52 and 53 along with Tower 6 and 55 ambulance were dispatched to 129 West Miner Street in West Chester for a reported apartment building fire. An initial report stated black smoke from an apartment, with an updated report of visible fire from a second floor kitchen. WCPD arrived on location and confirmed smoke on the roof with fire on the second floor. First in units confirmed the fire in a three-story converted apartment building.
Engine Company 51 was the first to arrive on scene, and stretched an initial 1 and 3/4 inch attack line to the second floor. Crews worked to locate the seat of the fire on the second floor and extinguish it. Engine 53 arrived on location and assumed a truck company role, followed by Engine 52-2 with a crew of 5 firefighters led by Captain Good. The 52 crew gathered tools and reported to the front of the structure. As Captain Good completed a 360 for command, the three member interior team pulled a backup 1 and 3/4 inch line to assist Engine Company 51 with fire attack. Engine Co. 52 proceeded to the second floor with their line, and with reports of heavy smoke from the third floor, re-directed their efforts. The crew made it to the third floor and encountered near zero visibility. Crews found fire in a kitchen and living room, having extended from the second floor through the walls and floor. Engine Company 52 extinguished this fire and worked to overhaul the third floor. Crews checked the attic and ventilated as they worked. Command placed the fire under control within 30 minutes of initial dispatch. Fire crews located and safely removed two ferrets from the structure. Great job to all involved.
As a side note, Tower 6, after arriving on location, was placed available to respond to their own first due working dwelling fire.
Special thanks to multiple companies providing standby coverage for the Boro of West Chester. |
