Sunday Afternoon Chimney Fire with Extension to Dwelling

By Asst. Chief Augie Testa

On Sunday afternoon 01/27/08, the Avondale Fire Company along with Hockessin, DE Station 19, were dispatched to White Clay Drive in New Garden Township for the house fire. Chief Swift arrived on scene to find a chimney fire with extension to the roof of the dwelling. Due to the roof being constructed of cedar shingles, the fire was spreading rapidly. Crews from Hockessin laddered the roof and advanced a hose line for fire suppression. Once on the roof, they knocked down the bulk of the fire and opened the roof to reach hidden areas of fire. Crews from Avondale entered the dwelling with a hand line and tools to attack the fire from the interior. The fireplace was emptied of burning wood and the hand line was stretched to the second floor to attack the fire. Once upstairs, crews opened the ceiling and extinguished the remaining fire present. The walls were also opened on the first floor to access hidden areas of fire. The fire was rapidly brought under control. All crews assisted with overhaul and assisted the fire marshals with their investigation. All companies cleared the scene at approximately 1545 hours.

Units on scene: Engine 23-2, Tanker 23, Engine 23-1, Engine 23-3, Traffic 23, and Ambulance 23-2
Mutual Aid: Tanker 19 and Tower 19 (Hockessin)