Late on Wednesday afternoon, WGFC was dispatched for an automatic fire alarm just off of Chambers Rock Road in London Britain Township. That call turned out to be fortuitous for a family on Reynard Drive off of Strickersville Road as WGFC firefighters were nearby when they experienced a kitchen fire.

Ladder 22 was just turning onto Chambers Rock Road when the second call was received -- with reports of a kitchen fire. Chester County Fire Radio reported the residents had evacuated after using a fire extinguisher to dampen down the flames.

With Engine 22-3 already on location at the automatic alarm and reporting no visible fire conditions, Ladder 22 immediately redirected to Reynard Drive, less than a half mile away. The dispatch for the dwelling fire also summoned additional West Grove units, many on the way to the first call, as well as units from Hockessin, Newark, Avondale and Oxford.

Moments later, Ladder 22 arrived and reported smoke showing from the D side (the north side of the two-story dwellling). Ladder 22 positioned itself on the front lawn, and crews entered the residence armed with water cans to discover smoke conditions in the home, and some fire extension in the cabinets above the stove. WGFC's new ladder truck was set up to maximize ladder equipment and -- to keep the vehicle length and weight manageable for the conditions in the area -- is not equipped with a water tank or pump. For these types of fire, Ladder 22 is equipped with water cans (pressurized water devices) which are capable of putting out many fires. Ladder 22's crew used two water cans to knock down the fire and began opening up to determine fire spread. The crew also raised the aerial ladder to the roof and put up some ground ladders as well.

Engine 22-2 arrived and laid a supply line from the intersection with Strickersville Road. Crews from the Engine pulled an 1-3/4" attack line to the back of the house in case it was needed in the kitchen, and also connected their water supply line to Ladder 22. These large diameter supply lines were not utilized on this call as the fire had been knocked down by the Ladder crew. Newark Engine 9 arrived and picked up the supply line for supply in case it was needed. It's crew also pulled a second attack line to the front door (which was not utilized).

Tanker 22 and Rescue 22 arrived and assisted crews in mopping up and repacking hose. Also on the scene were a Ladder and Engine from Hockessin. Other units enroute were recalled. There were no injuries.