West Grove Fire Company units were dispatched to assist the Elkton Fire Company at a fast-moving house fire on a cold, rainy, foggy Saturday morning -- the fifth working house fire in 11 days during this holiday season.

West Grove was requested for an engine and tanker to assist Cecil 3,13 & 14 (Elkton) on Barksdale Court, off Appleton Road (near the Milburn Orchards). Shortly after dispatch, Cecil Chief 3 reported heavy fire and upgraded the alarm.

Engine 32 and Tanker 22 made the response, followed by Engine 12. Before arriving at the scene, West Grove units took note of a huge "header" of smoke, indicating the severity of the fire which was fully involved in the B and C sides of the residence, burning hot enough to damage the siding on a neighboring home.

Engine 32 arrived as the third engine on scene, working with Elkton's Tanker to set up a portable tank at the intersection of Barksdale Court and Appleton Road. Engine 32 established a draft from the portable tank, supplying the 5" large diameter hose laid into the scene to provide the water supply for the firefighting operation. At the scene, multiple 1-3/4" hand lines were in service, along with a 2-1/2" attack line and an elevated waterway utilizing Aetna (Newark) Hose, hook & Ladder Company's tiller ladder. Firefighters had to continually cool a venting and burning large propane cylinder at the B/C corner.

Tanker 22 arrived to dump it's 3000 gallons of water into the portable tank, and then established a fill site at a nearby hydrant a short distance away. Engine 12's crew provided fire attack support and overhaul.

The water supply operation featured more than eight tankers providing water, including the large tractor trailer water tanker from Station 21 Oxford.

The involved house sustained major damage. One firefighter was transported from the scene with facial burns. West Grove units were in service three hours at this call.