| Firefighters from the West Grove Fire Company were alerted for a house fire on Poppy Lane in the West Meadows neighborhood at 5:21am Saturday morning. First reports to the 911 Center had fire alarms going off, smoke in the garage, with an evacuation in progress.
The WGFC responded quickly with Engine 22-1 with the 911 Center reporting all occupants out and callers indicating fire from the roof. Engine 22-1 went on location reporting fire showing, and stretched into the scene from a nearby hydrant with a five inch supply line -- and requested a "working fire dispatch." In addition to Engine 1, the WGFC responded with Ladder 22, Squad 22, Engine 22-3, ambulances and fire police. Also dispatched were units from Avondale 23, Oxford 21, and Cochranville.
Crews from West Grove and Avondale advanced two attack lines into the residence, working inside and outside to knock down fire which had advanced in the rear family room with extension to the deck, and basement area below the family room, up the chimney area, and across the roof above the family room and garage. Engine 23 had the hydrant to supply Engine 22-1, with Ladders 22 and 21 extending ladders to the roof and around the structure. Air 52 from West Chester came to the scene to fill breathing bottles as well.
Additional crews from Longwood and companies in the initial dispatch augmented first in crews, opening up walls to assure no additional fire spread. Fortunately, good initial attack work limited fire spread from further extension into the main structure and garage. There were no injuries reported, with EMS crews handling rehab assignments.
Crews were on scene for about 2.5 hours and most units were back available by 8:00am. The WGFC thanks crews from Modena and Christiana (Lancaster County) for standing by at Station 22 during the incident, and assisting with clean up after the call. |
