WGFC Handles Chimney Fire on Corby Road
 
By Secretary Bill Wohl
March 25, 2016
 

On March 20, the Chester County 911 Center received a report of a chimney fire in Penn Township. A neighbor spotted flames burning six feet high out of the chimney of a house on Corby Road and made the emergency call.

West Grove Fire Company volunteers received the call at 1141am and responded. Deputy 22 arrived on location confirming the report. Engine 2 arrived stretching an 1-3/4 line and fans to the front door. Ladder 22 arrived and backed up the driveway.

Chief 22 arrived an established Corby Road command. Deputy 22 assigned the Ladder crew to set up a portable ladder on the chimney in the rear of the dwelling. Ladder and Engine crews moved the basement to begin removing burning logs from the chimney fire, while also laying down protective tarps to help keep dirt and debris from damaging carpet and furniture.

The Ladder crew ascended approximately 25 feet up to remove the chimney cap, and drop special chains designed to break down creosote from the chimney pipe. Meanwhile, crews in the basement worked to break up burning debris above the flue box and remove them from the house. Crews also used thermal imaging cameras to assure no fire extension in the walls.

Crews operated for approximately one hour before clearing the scene.

Residents are advised to have all wood-burning fireplace chimneys regularly services and cleaned. This should be an annual maintenance for all fireplaces.
 
Fire was about six feet out of this chimney at a house on Corby Road when WGFC crews arrived.
Fire was about six feet out of this chimney at a house on Corby Road when WGFC crews arrived.
 
Creosote deposits on the chimney cap were evidence of the need for cleaning and maintenance.
Creosote deposits on the chimney cap were evidence of the need for cleaning and maintenance.
 
Ladder 22
Ladder 22
 
Engine 22-1 and 22-3 on scene.
Engine 22-1 and 22-3 on scene.
 
Engine 22-2 and Tanker 22 on Corby Road.
Engine 22-2 and Tanker 22 on Corby Road.
 
The Ladder was positioned in the driveway.
The Ladder was positioned in the driveway.
 
WGFC crews work on top of protective tarps in the basement fire place.
WGFC crews work on top of protective tarps in the basement fire place.
 
Second assistant Engineer Jeff Simpson works to clear debris from above the flue box.
Second assistant Engineer Jeff Simpson works to clear debris from above the flue box.
 
First Lt. Tony Gialloreto supervises the basement crew.
First Lt. Tony Gialloreto supervises the basement crew.
 
Even with the fire place cleared, crews battled stubborn burning debris above the flue box at the base of the vertical chimney pipe behind the fireplace.
Even with the fire place cleared, crews battled stubborn burning debris above the flue box at the base of the vertical chimney pipe behind the fireplace.