Just before 11:30 AM on Tuesday, 2/18/14, the Goshen Fire Company along with two engines from the Good Will Fire Company, Engine Co. 52 of the WCFD, were dispatched to the 800 block of Marker Drive in West Goshen Township for a reported garage on fire attached to a dwelling. Engine 52-2 under the command of Captain Barry responded shortly after along with Goshen Engine 54-1 and Ladder 56. While en-route, police gave the report of heavy fire showing in the garage, spreading into the house. Upon this report, Engine 54-1 requested the working fire dispatch, bringing in Medic 91 (Chester County Hospital ALS), Ladder 53 (West Chester Fire Department Fame Fire Company), a RIT team from Station 6 (West Whiteland Fire Company), and a re-dispatch for Engine Co. 52 for Air 52. Engine 52-1 then responded under the command of Lieutenant Creager, as Assistant Chief Stafford (Assistant 52) assumed command.
Engine 54-1 arrived on location and pulled an inch and three quarter hand line to the front of the dwelling. Engine 52-2 arrived second and quickly deployed a second inch and three quarter line to the front of the dwelling. Because of limited manpower on the initial line, Lieutenant Davis proceeded in on the initial attack line to knock the bulk of the fire, while Captain Barry proceeded to the second floor with his line. As crews were advancing on the fire in the first floor, the roof of the garage collapsed upon itself. Engine 52-1 arrived third and secured a water supply from a distant hydrant, because the closest hydrant was never uncovered from the recent snowstorms. Additional crews arrived and assisted with overhaul, holding the bulk of the fire to the garage and bravo side of the dwelling. Units continued to work through the afternoon.
As a side note- please remember to dig out the fire hydrants in your neighborhood! Crews were significantly delayed because the closest hydrant to the house was covered with snow. Remember- even though you don't "own" the hydrant, it is there specifically for the safety of your family, your house, and your property!
