| Just before 1am on November 3, Stations 51 and 53 were dispatched for a building fire at the West Chester University south campus. WCU Police were reporting a fully engulfed dwelling with possible occupants still inside. With this information, the Chester County Fire Board upgraded the assignment to the Work Fire Dispatch adding Station 52. West Chester Fire Department Chiefs arrived and reported fire through the roof of a vacant building.
Engine 51-1 arrived as the first due engine with a crew of 6. 51-1 laid 1500’ of supply line down an access road to the dwelling and took a defensive position in the front yard. The crew from 51-1 stretched a 2 ½” line while also preparing for master stream operations. Engine 52-2 and Engine 53 arrived and assisted with securing 51-1’s water supply. Crews began a defensive attack and additional WCFD units arrived and assisted with operations.
As the fire was brought under control, command began to release units from the scene. Final WCFD units cleared the scene at 0433 hours. Special thanks to Able Brothers Towing who responded to the scene to help remove Engine 51-1 from the front yard after it became stuck in the mud due to the extended operations.
The fire is currently under investigation by the State and County Fire Marshal’s office. |
