Underground Transformer Fire Causes Major Carbon Monoxide Incident in the Borough

On Wednesday, August 9, around 2:30PM, the box alarm was dispatched to the 200 block of West Gay Street for the reported building fire. Engine 52-2 (FF Widmayer) responded immediately. Upon arrival, the crew assisted Engine 51-2's crew with checking for fire on all floors, and it was soon determined the smoke was caused by a nearby underground transformer on fire. The incident lasted long term due to high levels of carbon monoxide in multiple buildings. Five members of the WCFD were transported to local hospitals and were released within 24 hours. Engine 52-1 (FF Smiley Sr.), Engine 52-2 (FF Widmayer), Reserve Engine 52-3 (Lt. Creager), Air 52 (FF Axelrod), Tanker 52 (Capt. DiMeo), Squad 52 (FF Brogan), and Traffic 52 (Lt. Davis) all responded to the scene. Thanks to the Berwyn Fire Company, East Whiteland Fire Company, and Longwood Fire Company for covering the WCFD the day after the incident while the department members attended a social event.