Smoke coming from a roof was the first sign of trouble -- and a 911 call alerted the West Grove Fire Company and neighboring companies of a possible house fire at the intersection of Belmont Court, along Route 841 at the entrance of Southview Estates in Franklin Township.

The initial dispatch for the house fire alerted West Grove, Oxford, Avondale, Elkton and Cochranville Fire Companies.

Ladder 22 responded quickly, followed by West Grove Engine 22-2, Tanker 22 and Engine 22-3. The Ladder, Tanker and an Engine came from Oxford. Cochranville responded with their Rescue as the RIT (rapid intervention team) assignment. An engine from Elkton, and an Engine and Tanker from Avondale also made the response.

Deputy 22 arrived first, reporting smoke from the roof, and assumed Operations. Chief 22 arrived an assumed Command. Engine 22-2 arrived first, and laid a five inch supply line from the neighborhood entrance up Belmont and into the driveway. The Engine deployed it's 300' pre-connected 1-3/4" attack line from the rear of the truck and directed it to the open fire coming from the roof peak, adjacent to an active chimney. Crews advanced into the attic to check for extension, and to the fire place on the first floor. Meanwhile, Engine 22-3 arrived, backing into Belmont and connecting to the dropped large diameter hose supply line. Tanker 22 then position to supply Engine 3, securing a complete water supply. Ladder 22 had already arrived, positioning along Route 841 and raising its 75 ladder to the fire area. WGFC Engine 22-1 and Rescue 22 arrived and supplied manpower, as did Utility 22.

Crews stopped the fire advance in the area of the roof eaves at the peak of the roof. No extension was reported to the attic area, and the fire source below was secured. Wood and aluminum trim along the eaves was removed to expose the fire area, and the incident was quickly declared under control. There was no interior damage, and the crews on Ladder 22 inspected the chimney to assure no continued fire conditions.

Assisting on scene were the WGFC ambulance, as well as numerous fire police, PSPA and the Chester County Fire Marshals. Units were released about 90 minutes into the incident with no injuries.