Small Fire At Local Restaurant

Shortly after 1PM on Saturday, October 26, Stations 52 (WCFD Good Will), 53 (WCFD Fame) and 55 Ambulance were dispatched to Jack's Steaks at 16 East Gay Street in West Chester Boro for the building fire. Initial calls indicated flames coming from the basement of the building. Engine 52-2 under the command of Captain Creager responded almost immediately with 4. While enroute, Engine 52-2 received additional calls reporting smoke showing from the front of the structure, a fire alarm activation at the structure, and fire alarm in the immediate exposure building, the Side Bar Restaurant. Assistant 51 arrived on location, confirmed reports and requested Station 51 (WCFD First West Chester) to the scene. Engine 52-2 quickly arrived and split crews, with Captain Creager and firefighter Bieg entering the basement to assess the situation, while Lieutenant Davis pulled and deployed a 1 3/4" handline into the basement. Crews encountered a significant smoke condition on the first floor and basement. A small fire was located in the basement wall and in a void area beneath the sidewalk in the front of the building. Crews quickly accessed the fire through a basement access panel and brought the fire under control. Assisting WCFD crews checked for extension in the fire building and exposure and assisted with ventilation.