On-Station Duty Crew Contains House Fire in Franklin Township

On April 13, 2026, at approximately 9:00 PM, the West Grove Fire Company (WGFC), along with mutual aid partners, was dispatched to a reported house fire in the 100 block of Quail Drive in Franklin Township.

At the time of the alarm, a combination duty crew of both volunteer and career personnel was staffing the WGFC substation in New London. This on-station staffing allowed for an immediate and effective response, with Engine 22-2 and Chief Officers responding within moments of dispatch.

Chester County Dispatch advised responding units that multiple callers were reporting a fire in an attached garage. Due to the volume of calls and confirmed fire conditions, a working fire dispatch was transmitted, adding additional resources to the incident.

Assistant Chief (Simpson) arrived within five minutes of dispatch, confirmed a working fire, and established Incident Command. Engine 22-2 arrived shortly thereafter and quickly deployed attack lines to the garage, placing water on the seat of the fire within minutes.

Thanks to the rapid response and coordinated efforts of the on-duty crew and incoming mutual aid companies, the fire was successfully contained to the room of origin, preventing further extension into the residence. Mutual aid units assisted with primary searches, water supply operations, overhaul and salvage. No injuries or loss of life were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Chester County Fire Marshal.

Crews were able to place water on the fire within 11 minutes of dispatch, an outcome that highlights the critical importance of on-station staffing and the strength of a combination fire company model. Across Southern Chester County, there has been a growing emphasis on ensuring fire stations are staffed and ready to respond at all times. WGFC is fortunate to have a dedicated combination of volunteer and career personnel who provide this level of service to the community.