At 1656 hours, Station 51 was dispatched as the Rapid Intervention Team to the 100 block of Wallace Avenue in Downingtown Borough for a building fire. A passerby reported smoke coming from the end unit of a strip mall. Downingtown Fire Department units were clearing another small structure fire and responded immediately. Battalion 46 arrived and reported a two and half story strip mall with smoke showing. Engine 51-2 responded and while enroute a second alarm was requested bringing a second RIT out of Station 56 (Goshen). Ladder 53 and Air 52 also responded as part of the second alarm assignment.

Engine 51-2 arrived and established RIT on side A. As additional crews arrived, conditions in the structure rapidly deteriorated and crews changed to a defensive operation. Engine 56 arrived and established RIT on side C. Rescue 54 and Engine 38 arrived and were also assigned to the RIT division. Due to water system issues, a first and second alarm tanker task force was requested.

Engine 51-2’s crew operated as the RIT for two and a half hours before being relieved and sent to perform fire suppression and overhaul operations. The fire destroyed multiple businesses before going to three alarms and finally being brought under control at 2101 hours. Engine 51-2 was released by Command at 2129 hours and returned to West Chester shortly before 2200 hours.