| On July 14, shortly after midnight, the West Chester Fire Department and Tower 54 was dispatched for an apartment building fire at an unknown building at the Jefferson at Westtown Apartment complex on Skiles Blvd in Westtown Township. 911 calls reported an apartment on fire with residents evacuating. As units responded additional 911 calls stated the fire was spreading to the second floor apartment. First arriving police units confirmed the reports and stated they were being evacuation efforts.
Ladder 53 arrived on location and reported a 4 story apartment building with fire showing from the first floor on the B side. Assistant 51 arrived on location and established Operations, followed by Chief 51 who established the "Skiles Command". Engine 52-1 was the first arriving engine and began fire suppression.
Additional WCFD units and Tower 54 arrived and assisted with suppression, water supply, checking for extension, and salvage and overhaul efforts. The fire was placed under control by Command just before 1230 hours. The incident was eventually held to Ladder 53 and Engine 52-1. The Chester County Fire Marshal's office responded to investigate the cause of the fire.
There were no reported injuries and the fire is believed to be accidental.
Photos courtesy Terri McClure. |
