Units of the West Grove Fire Company were called to assist the Cochranville Fire Company in Londonderry Township today for a reported dwelling fire.

Dispatched just before noon to a residence on Keller Drive off Route 41, the WGFC was requested for fire units and ambulances to assist Station 27 on the call, along with a Tanker from Avondale. The dispatch report indicated smoke coming from the roof, but no fire visible. Additional information indicated the fire might be related to a wood stove.

An officer from Cochranville arrived on the scene first and reported smoke coming from the eaves, and then further reported a fire in the attic, and established Keller Drive Command.

Engine 27-2 arrived on scene and laid a supply line up the driveway, and attacked the fire with a 1-3/4" hand line. Ladder 22 and Ambulances 22-1 and 22-2 arrived and assisted in the attack, with WGFC Ladder 22 firefighters ascending ladders to the roof and opening up the roof to expose and extinguish fire. Ladder 22 raised its aerial ladder to the roof in addition to the ground ladders. Crews also used tarps to cover and protect furniture in the dwelling while pulling the ceiling to expose the seat of the fire around the woodstove chimney.

Tankers from West Grove, Avondale and Cochranville arrived to supply water, and Engine 32 arrived to provide manpower to the initial crews. WGFC Chief 22 also arrived and served as fire operations officer.

Command reported the fire had been knocked down 29 minutes after the initial dispatch. The fire was declared under control eight minutes later.

Units began being released from the scene at that point, with all units clear just one hour after the initial dispatch.