Back-to-back First Due Fires

Just before 1300 hours, stations 52 and 53 as well as 51 for an engine were dispatched to the 200 block of South Matlack Street for the apartment building. Engine 52-1 and Ladder 53 responded and quickly arrived onscene along with Assistant 53. Assistant 53 reported smoke showing from a three story apartment building. Engine 52-1's crew, under command of Lieutenant Davis stretched a 1-3/4" attack line to the front door of the building. The ladder crew forced the door to the first story apartment and conducted a primary search of the first floor. Engine 52-1's crew entered the kitchen with fire from the stove running the wall and cabinets. Several animals were rescued from the apartment and brought to safety. The fire was quickly placed under control and crews began repacking hose and equipment. At this time, crews were dispatched to the 800 block of Paoli Pike for the building fire. Engines 52-1 and 54-1 arrived onscene simultaneously with nothing showing. Engine 54-1's crew entered the building and found a light smoke condition, while 52-1's crew stretched a 1-3/4" attack line from 54-1. Upon entering the attic, crews found fire inside of the HVAC system, extinguished it and shortly placed the incident under control.