Single Vehicle Accident with Fire in Penn Township
 
By Tony Gialloreto & Danny O'Connell
December 20, 2018
 

Around midnight Thursday morning, the West Grove Fire Company was dispatched to a vehicle fire in the 200 block of Baker Road in Penn Township. Shortly after dispatch, the incident was updated by Chester County Fire Dispatch to a potential auto accident involving fire. The upgrade added Medic 94 to the incident.

Medic 94-1 was the first on scene and reported a single vehicle into a tree, fully involved in fire and unable to confirm occupant entrapment. Engine 22-1 was next to arrive and immediately started fire suppression operations. Rescue 22 arrived to assist with fire suppression and water supply, along with the help of Tanker 22.

Fire suppression was complicated by the presence of magnesium in the dashboard / fire wall areas and steering column. Command was established and reported fire had been knocked down and no occupants were in the vehicle. An area search, utilizing the Thermal Imaging Cameras, was then conducted to search for potential victims.

Command received information from Chester County Fire Dispatch that the vehicle operator may be at the Jennersville Regional Hospital Emergency Department being treated. Once confirmed the incident was scaled down. WGFC members remained on scene assisting PSP with traffic control, vehicle removal, and scene clean up. The Company was in service approximately 90 minutes.
 
Units: Engine 22-1, Rescue 22, Tanker 22, Squad 22, Ultility 22, Ambulance 22-1
 
Mutual Aid: Medic 94-1, Medic 94-2, PSP
 
A car crashed into a tree and burst into flames along Baker Road in Penn Township. There were no injuries at the scene.
A car crashed into a tree and burst into flames along Baker Road in Penn Township. There were no injuries at the scene.
 
Crews mopping up after knock down.
Crews mopping up after knock down.
 
Mail box post struck prior to the tree.
Mail box post struck prior to the tree.
 
Heavy front end damage extending into passenger compartment.
Heavy front end damage extending into passenger compartment.
 
Engine 22-1 arrived and stretched the bumper line at the fully involved car fire.
Engine 22-1 arrived and stretched the bumper line at the fully involved car fire.