WGFC Assists Union Fire Company on House Fire
Oxford crews advance a 2.5" attack line toward the garage where the fire started.
Oxford crews advance a 2.5" attack line toward the garage where the fire started.
 
Firefighters from across the area battled this house fire on Elk Creek Road located in the fire district of the Union Fire Company of Oxford. WGFC units were on scene for 2.5 hours.
Firefighters from across the area battled this house fire on Elk Creek Road located in the fire district of the Union Fire Company of Oxford. WGFC units were on scene for 2.5 hours.
 
Smoke showing in the distance in this shot from the officer's seat in Rescue 22 taken along Oxford Road. In the firefighting business, this is called a "header."
Smoke showing in the distance in this shot from the officer's seat in Rescue 22 taken along Oxford Road. In the firefighting business, this is called a "header."
 
The garage was completely destroyed.
The garage was completely destroyed.
 
Heat from the fire severely damaged an automobile sitting in the driveway.
Heat from the fire severely damaged an automobile sitting in the driveway.
 
A fast fire attack helped keep damage from encroaching too far into the house.
A fast fire attack helped keep damage from encroaching too far into the house.
 
Before the 5-inch supply line was in service, water carried on WGFC Engine 22-3 and Rescue 22 were used for the firefight.
Before the 5-inch supply line was in service, water carried on WGFC Engine 22-3 and Rescue 22 were used for the firefight.
 
Ladder 21 takes the roof.
Ladder 21 takes the roof.
 
Various supply and attack lines are visible in this shot of the fire scene.
Various supply and attack lines are visible in this shot of the fire scene.
 
Crews from various departments ready equipment for the fire fight.
Crews from various departments ready equipment for the fire fight.
 
 
March 23, 2021
 

Sirens sounded across southern Chester County Monday afternoon as fire trucks raced to Elk Creek Road in East Nottingham Township for a reported house fire. For many, the location of the fire was easily marked by a tall column of dark black smoke.

WGFC was already out on a call in London Britain Township for a reported fire type unknown call near 896 and Flint Hill Road. Engine 22-3 located close by at the London Britain Station was in the area quickly confirming a controlled burn -- with a driving-by caller thinking it was an emergency. WGFC units responding included Tanker 22, Brush 22 and Ladder 22 and the Ambulance. With Engine 3 determining the brush fire was controlled and attended, WGFC units immediately redirected as a structure fire near Oxford was coming into the Chester County 911 Center.

Dispatched at 2:49pm, the Union Fire Company of Oxford was first dispatched with WGFC and other companies for a fire in a garage, that was quickly upgraded to a house fire. With additional calls coming into the 911 Center, and with a large smoke column visible, Chief 21 requested a working fire dispatch -- which adds a full compliment of equipment normally needed on a "working" fire (a confirmed fire). With that, units from Rising Sun, Cochranville, Quarryville and Avondale were also dispatched.

Chief 21 arrived to report a large ranch-style home with a fully involved attached garage. Oxford's first Engine laid in a large diameter supply line from the intersection at Route 472 and arrived at the fire location. Crews were directed to immediately pull a 2-1/2" attack line to the garage to flow large volumes of water at the fire. As additional crews arrived, additional 1-3/4" attack lines were stretched, with an effort to knock down the large volume of fire while trying to hold the fire from extending further into the house. While the fire had a large head start before firefighters arrived, this aggressive response held much of the major fire damage to the garage area. The rest of the house had smoke damage.

The crews from WGFC arrived with Rescue 22, Ladder 22 and Engine 22-3 all arriving together. Crews from the Rescue and Ladder entered the residence to perform a full primary and secondary search throughout the house, and found heavy smoke conditions throughout. WGFC and Union Fire Company crews also entered the attic spaces to check for fire spread in that area. Ladder 21 extended its aerial ladder to the roof to support operations there.

Chief 21 requested additional ambulances to the scene, as the fire resulted in two injuries -- one burn injury transported to the Chester Crozer Burn Center, and a second patient with smoke inhalation was taken to Jennersville Hospital.

Water Tankers supplied the scene once the large supply line was charged, with WGFC Engines 22-3 and the Rescue supplying tank water until the water supply was fully established. Area Fire Police had roads in the area closed down to support fire operations.

With extensive overhaul, the fire was declared under control with crews from area departments on scene for about 2.5 hours. Numerous fire companies were also on standby for fire companies working on scene.
 
Units: Rescue 22, Ladder 22, Engine 22-3, Engine 22-1, Tanker 22
 
Mutual Aid: Union (Oxford) Engines 21-2, 21-4, Ladder 21, Tanker 21, Ambulances 1 & 2; Quarryville Truck 5-7; Rising Sun Truck 8, Tanker 8, Engine 8-2; Cochranville Engine 27-1 and Rescue 27; Avondale Tanker 23