WGFC Assists on Second Alarm Fire in New Garden Township
 
May 2, 2024
 

A fire destroyed multiple townhomes in New Garden Township on May 1 in the 500 block of Buena Vista Drive. The West Grove Fire Company was dispatched early in the incident to assist the Avondale Fire Company on a dwelling fire, with fire reported on the porch. Additional 911 callers reported a fire with possible entrapment. Ultimately, the incident was increased to two alarms, with fire departments from Pennsylvania and Delaware involved in the fire fight.

WGFC responders were heavily involved in the firefighting, working side by side with numerous departments to limit fire spread. Fully staffed Ladder 22 (3), Engines 22-1 (3), Engine 22-2 (5), Utility 22-1 (3) and Asst 22 made the response. Units operated in the 3rd due special service and second due engine assignments tasked with laddering the building, conducting primary searches and assisting with fire attack. Asst 22 assisted incident command with accountability. Teamwork prevailed, fire was held to two of the 4 townhomes and one turtle was rescued. Red Cross was on scene helping those displaced from the fire.

The WGFC thanks the Quarryville Fire Company for standing by in West Grove with Engine 57-4 during the incident.

(Thanks to various photographers whose pictures are included in this story.)
 
Units: Ladder 22, Engine 22-1, Engine 22-2, Utility 22-1
 
Mutual Aid: Avondale 23, Kennett Square 24, Longwood 25, Po-Mar-Lin 36, Oxford 21, Millcreek 21, Hockessin 19, Medic 94
 
the aftermath show the significant damage, but also indicates the successful efforts of firefighters to prevent the spread to all five units in the row.
the aftermath show the significant damage, but also indicates the successful efforts of firefighters to prevent the spread to all five units in the row.
 
The view of the fire from the operators position on Ladder 25.
The view of the fire from the operators position on Ladder 25.
 
Fire through the roof early in the incident.
Fire through the roof early in the incident.
 
Heavy fire was showing as firefighters began their multi-hour operation.
Heavy fire was showing as firefighters began their multi-hour operation.
 
The fire was easily visible from nearby Old Baltimore Pike.
The fire was easily visible from nearby Old Baltimore Pike.
 
The WGFC assisted Avondale in a second-alarm fire in New Garden Township that destroyed multiple rowhomes.
The WGFC assisted Avondale in a second-alarm fire in New Garden Township that destroyed multiple rowhomes.
 
Heavy fire is showing during the early stages of the incident.
Heavy fire is showing during the early stages of the incident.
 
A turtle was rescued from the fire building.
A turtle was rescued from the fire building.
 
Ladder 25 (Longwood) sets up at the scene.
Ladder 25 (Longwood) sets up at the scene.
 
WGFC first responders after the call.
WGFC first responders after the call.