Dry conditions, a strong breeze and complicated terrain challenged firefighters from the West Grove Fire Company and two surrounding companies on Sunday afternoon.

Originally dispatched for a brush fire along Hillcrest Drive, off Gurnsey Road in Franklin Township, the WGFC had to navigate remote terrain to ultimately put the fire out. Arriving at Hillcrest Drive, crews from Engine 22 confirmed a brush fire along a creek bed, located deep in the woods, well behind homes on Hillcrest Drive. Crews from Engine 22, Engine 12, Brush 12, Tanker 22 and Engine 32 all made the response to Gurnsey Road, with engine crews walking well into the woods to reach the fire.

Captain 22 had command, directed units to seek a better access to the fire, with the company re-positioning apparatus to a farm off of Hess Mill Road near Conards Mill Road, some two miles west of Gurnsey Road. Captain 22 also requested ATVs (all terrain vehicles) from the Po-Mar-Lin (Unionville) and Kennett Fire Companies.

Brush 12 entered the woods and began fighting the fire, with Engines 12, 22 and 32 setting up a water supply at the new location, with Engine 22 assuming Hess Mill CP. ATVs 36 and 24 arrived and began shuttling deep into the woods. These all wheel drive ATVs carry water, hose and a pump, allowing firefighters access to areas unreachable to pick up trucks or larger fire trucks.

Both ATVs and Brush 12 made numerous trips across open fields to be re-filled by Engine 12. It took firefighters approximately 2 hours to complete the work.