When the West Grove Fire Company proposed and then build a third fire station in London Britain Township, the belief was that the new station would speed response to a rural area distant from existing WGFC stations in West Grove and New London, and in between more distant fire stations in Avondale, Elkton and Newark, DE. That faster response was demonstrated several times in the past 18 months, including at a house fire on Good Hope Road, a major brush fire on Flint Hill Road, and various serious accidents along Route 896.

When the 911 Center received a call for a house fire on November 24, the new Station -- Station 32 -- again proved its value. Dispatched at 544pm, the fire report was a house on fire along Flint Hill Road below Route 896 near Thomas Farm Lane, with flames on the side of the attached garage spreading to the attic roof. Units from the WGFC, along with an Engine and Tanker from Avondale Station 23, an engine from Newark's Aetna Hook, Hose & Ladder Company, and a Tanker from Hockessin Station 19.

Engine 32 made an immediate response (fortunately, WGFC crews were arriving at their stations for a Monday training/meeting night). This was quickly followed by responses from Ambulance 22-1, Rescue 22, Ladder 22, Ambulance 12-1 and Tanker 22, and Chief and Deputy 22.

Engine 32 went on scene and reported smoke showing on Side B of the residence, then reporting an electrical fire in the attic space above the garage. The crew immediately went to work assessing the fire, which had started around an exterior flood light fixture near the peak of the roof above the garage. The crew set up a ground ladder and entered the attic discharging a fire extinguisher to knock down the fire. Engine 32 was on scene and in service four minutes after the initial dispatch.

Also responding were Squad 22, Engine 23-2, Traffic 23, Engine 12, Ambulance 23-2, Newark Engine 9-5, Rescue 23, Brush 12, Newark Engine 8-2, and Tankers 19 & 23.

Chief 22 arrived and established Flint Hill Command with Deputy 22 taking Operations. WGFC fire police handled traffic control at th scene, and at the Strickersville Road and Route 896 intersections with Flint Hill Road.

Ladder 22 arrived, taking the driveway and assisting Engine 32's crew with raising ladders. Ladder 22's ladder was raised to the roof peak and it's crew began cutting away burning and damaged roof and siding materials.

With the fire extinguished, hot spots contained, and the electric secured, the fire was declared under control and units began to be released from the scene. The last WGFC units cleared the scene just under an hour after the initial dispatch.