| On the morning of April 4, 2013 at 7:48 am, the West Grove Fire Company, along with Avondale Fire Company (Station 23), were both dispatched for a reported apartment building fire at 142 East Evergreen Street in West Grove Borough. While passing the building on his way to work, Deputy 22 came across the fire prior to dispatch and requested the building assignment for the address, with possible entrapment. The report was, a 3 story building with heavy smoke showing from the front (A) and right (D) sides of the structure with entrapment. A contractor who was working on the building and the Deputy Chief cleared the apartments on the first and second floors but could not confirm all occupants were out of the third floor.
Chief 22 arrived and assumed the operations role and the Deputy established Evergreen Command. With a staffing level of two volunteers and two career staff, Engine 22 was on the street three minutes after the initial dispatch, and on scene only a few minutes later. The Engine arrived with instructions to lay in from the closest hydrant, if available, and to stretch a 1.75" line to the fire floor. Prior to Engine 22's arrival the request was made for the working fire dispatch adding Rescue 27, Medic 94, utilities and relocates. The request was also made for the full company assist from Union Fire Company (Station 21). Engine 23-2 established a water supply to Engine 22 from a nearby hydrant. Ladder 22 positioned on the D side of the building and put the main up to the roof for ventilation, and Ladder 21 setup to the rear of the structure. Crews confirmed there was no entrapment and were able to get the fire under control within 20 minutes.
The Red Cross was contacted to assist the residents from the seven apartments who were displaced by the fire. The fire is still under investigation by the Chester County and State Police Fire Marshals. Belfor was requested to the scene to board up the damage caused by the fire.
The West Grove Fire Company was well represented with 23 volunteers, along with four career staff members responding during a time period of the day that is normally difficult to staff with volunteer crews. All West Grove and mutual aid crews operated on scene for approximately 2 hours before fully clearing the scene.
6 ABC News: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=9052497
Daily Local News Article: http://www.dailylocal.com/article/20130404/NEWS01/130409760/update-red-cross-helps-families-displaced-by-fire |
