Fire sirens blared across southern Chester County Tuesday evening as the West Grove Fire Company and area fire departments were dispatched for a building fire in West Grove Borough. The multi-story building at 7 Exchange Place just off Evergreen Street is in the heart of the Borough and features several floors of apartments above a popular local pizza restaurant.

Upon response, WGFC units were advised of smoke throughout the building. West Grove responded with Engine 22-1 as the first due Engine, which arrived quickly as the location is just two blocks from the fire house. Engine 22-1 stretched a large diameter supply line up Exchange Place and deployed a 1-3/4" attack line. Also responding was Ladder 22, which set up in the middle of the street to prepare to ladder if needed. Rescue 22, Engine 22-3 and WGFC Ambulances also made up the response.

Along with WGFC units, apparatus from Oxford, Cochranville, and Avondale also responded. Avondale Engine 23-2 as the second due Engine took the hydrant and supplied Engine 22-1. First in firefighters began to investigate a burning order and smoke. Arriving fire apparatus staged on Railroad Avenue, along Prospect, and near the scene on Evergreen Street as well. A large crowd also gathered to watch the gathering of so much fire apparatus. Fire police from the West Grove and Avondale Fire Companies worked to handle the traffic situation, and EMS crews from both organizations stood by on the scene.

After investigating, firefighters determined that a freezer unit, located outside the building to the rear, had a motor fail, and the resulting burning odors and smoke made their way into the building. The situation was placed under control and the 50+ firefighters began picking up and repacking hose, and loading up apparatus to return.

Pizza is a Great Way to Say Thank You!

Firefighters got a nice surprise -- the team at Brother's Pizza, located on the ground floor, had quickly baked more than one dozen pizzas and began handing them out to say thank you. Most Fire Companies took pizza home to their stations, and all of us at the WGFC are grateful to Brothers for their continued support of the WGFC.