Fast Attack Minimizes Fire Spread in New London House Fire; Homeowner Does the Right Thing
 
By Secretary Bill Wohl
April 9, 2017
 

Fire crews from the West Grove Fire Company, assisted by three area fire companies, prevented the spread of well-involved garage fire from extending into the rest of the home, in an incident around midnight in New London Township.

Residents of a home on Owenwood Drive in the Ashleigh Greene development smelled smoke from the garage. The smart-thinking homeowner determined an active fire in his garage, and quickly closed the door connecting the garage and the house. This move helped prevent the spread of fire into the house. The residents called 911 and evacuated the structure.

The West Grove Fire Company was dispatched at 11:51pm for the house fire, along with fire companies from Oxford, Avondale and Cochranville. The West Grove ambulance crew from the nearby New London Station arrived on the scene first, reporting a fully-involved garage fire, and that residents had been evacuated from the house. Deputy Chief Gattorno arrived and established command, with Chief Chambers assuming operations.

WGFC Engine 22-2 arrived as the first engine, deploying an attack line to the front of the garage under the command of Lt. Gialloreto. Hand tools were used to knock holes in the corners of the large garage door, with heavy fire (including intense blue flame) immediately apparent. The engine crew deployed the attack line to cool the fire, and then removed both garage doors to make a full fire attack. A large propane tank was source of the initial intense "blue" flame and was removed from the garage.

Ladder 22 arrived and began to deploy ground ladders on the residence, and deploying the main ariel to the garage roof. Engine 22-3 arrived as the second due engine, with it's crews moving to assist in the fire fight, and checking for fire spread in the main residence. Tanker 22 arrived, establishing a supply to Engine 2. Tankers from Oxford and Avondale also arrived and remained positioned as an additional water supply if needed.

The fast attack by the initial engine quickly knocked down the fire in the garage. Crews from all four fire companies were used to overhaul the garage area, secure utilities and assure there was no further fire spread. Command put the situation under control in less than one hour. Ambulance 22 requested ALS to the scene, and the ambulance and medic transported one patient to Jennersville Hospital.

Final West Grove crews cleared the scene at approximately 2:00am.

 
Units: Engines 22-1, 2 and 3. Ladder 22, Tanker 22, Utility 22, Ambulances 22-1 and 2, Fire Police
 
Mutual Aid: Oxford Engine 21-4, Ladder 21 and Tanker 21. Avondale Tanker 23, and Engine 23-3. Cochranville Rescue 27 (RIT assignment). Engine 36 (Standby at Station 22)