Odor Investigation Inside
 
By Deputy Chief Justin Gattorno
August 31, 2014
 

The West Grove Fire Company was dispatched to 498 Lewisville rd in New London twp for an odor investigation inside the residence. Deputy 22 along with Engine 12, Engine 32 and Ladder 22 all made the response. Upon arrival the homeowner reported an odor of smoke inside the residence after a nearby lightning strike. Strong thunderstorms had just come through the area and the homeowner said lightning had struck, shaking the back side of the house, along with an electrical surge which knocked out some home electronic equipment. Crews searched the residence and found a faint odor coming from the area of the propane fireplace insert. The gas and electric were secured to the house and crews went to work attempting to locate the source. Using a thermal imaging camera crews found areas of temperature difference on the outside of the house just behind the propane fireplace insert. Unable to access the area from the inside of the house crews removed the siding and cut into the house to find charred/smoldering wood. The area was wet down with a pressurized water can. The remainder of the house was searched using the thermal imaging camera and all was found to be safe. The Chester County Fire Marshal's office was requested to the scene to investigate. Crews cleared the scene and Engine 12 was redirected to standby at Station 23 while they were out with a Barn Fire in their local.

 
Units: Engine 12, Engine 32, Ladder 22, Deputy 22 and Fire police