Shortly after 2000 hours, Station 53 was alerted to Willowbrook Lane at the Microtel Inn for an automatic fire alarm. Shortly after dispatch, 911 calls provided additional information of smoke in the building and the assignment was upgraded bringing the other two West Chester Companies. Assistant 53 Ladder 53 and Engine 53 responded simultaneously, arrived and reported nothing showing and the building evacuated. Crews entered the main lobby and found heavy smoke in the lobby and hallways. Fire was found in the walls in a first floor room with possible extension into 2nd floor. Ladder 53 searched the building for any additional residents and opened up the walls while Engine 53 extinguished the fire. Engined laid into Engine 53. Engine 52-2 hit the hydrant and supplied Engine 51-2. Additional WCFD resources arrived and assisted with completing primary and secondary searches. Goshen Fire Company's Rescue 54 stood by as RIT and assisted with ventilation.
Good fellowship Ambulance stood by on location and assisted the 90 occupants with a temporary shelter. Crews were on location for over 2 hours conducting overhaul and assisting the occupants with gathering their belongings and relocating them.
The fire is being investigated by the West Goshen Township and Chester County Fire Marshals Office.
