WCFD Responds to Early Morning House Fire

In the early morning hours of February 13, 2012, Stations 51 and 53 were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 800 block of Spruce Avenue in West Goshen Township. Assistants 51, 52, and 53 all responded and were advised by Chester County Fire Radio that there were reports of flames coming from the side of the dwelling with a car in the driveway.

Assistant 52 arrived on scene with fire showing from side "D" and requested the working fire dispatch, adding Station 52 as well as Station 25 for RIT. Assistant 51 arrived on scene and established the "Spruce Avenue" Command while Assistant 52 assumed Operations. Engine 51-1 arrived and assumed second due engine responsibilities; stretching a second 2 ½ attack line to side "D".

With conditions in the dwelling rapidly deteriorating, which included multiple floor collapses as well as the collapse of side "D", Operations determined a defense attack was necessary. Engine 51-2 arrived and assisted Engine 51-1 with operations on side "D". Engine 51-1 was eventually relocated into the driveway for master stream operations.

WCFD crews worked until 0700 hours until turning the investigation over to the Chester County, State Police, and Township Fire Marshals. Stations 51 and 53 were called back after the Fire Marshal's concluded their investigation just after 0900 to extinguish hot spots. Air 52 was brought in to assist. WCFD units cleared just before 1400.

Special thanks to the neighbors who provided food and hot beverages to responders during the fire Also thanks to the other fire companies who stood by in the Borough during the incident.